I assume that Barack Obama gets a least a little bit of say when choosing the musical and poetic "entertainment" (I put quotations around it because it's WAY more than that) of his presidential inauguration.
I mean, it's not a question of "can we get so-and-so" or "too bad whats-her-name will be in Australia". It's the presidential inauguration! And not just any inauguration. I'm already kicking myself for not making a bigger attempt getting to D.C. but, oh well.
So who did the Obama people pick to perform tomorrow on the steps of the Capitol Steps tomorrow?
Aretha Franklin will be there. A quartet comprising of Yo-Yo Ma (cellist), Itzhak Perlman (violinist), Gabriela Montero (pianist) and Anthony McGill (clarinetist) will be performing an original composition by John Williams. The Boys and Girls Choruses of San Francisco and the Marine Corps Band will also play.
We all know about the controversial pick of Pastor Rick Warren to speak. But also we will hear from Elizabeth Alexander (poet) and Reverend Joseph Lowery (civil rights leader).
Who would you want to speak and/or perform at your inauguration? Think as big as you want! (Let's keep it to living folks though.)
Would would I want? Aretha was certainly a good choice. How about U2? But give me the 1997 Bono so that he can still sing :P
How about some Paul McCartney? He's not American, but he played the Super Bowl once-upon a time didn't he? I mean, that was way more "American" than this is. This is a celebration for the whole world to enjoy.
I would definitely get the Soweto Gospel Choir. They are amazing and they represent a country that has seen dark times and is moving toward a brighter future.
As for speakers? I wouldn't be able to resist some Jon Stewart. Oh, and Bill Clinton. Definitely. Maybe David Sedaris?
Who would be in YOUR inauguration ceremony?
UPDATE: How amazing was that ceremony? John William's piece was gorgeous and Reverend Joseph Lowery was incredible as he nodded to whites, black, browns and yellows, Christians, Jews and non-believers (in a humorous and endearing manor. Amen.
8 comments:
How 'big' is big thinking? Can we bring back the dead? x
Oh I guess if you really want to, I mean when will you be running for the President of the United States anyway? :P
ok, i wasn't born here so I won't be a president, but if my kid decides to run, i'd definately want al gore, barack..... my mind is blocked right now, i'll want everybody :)
Instead of a poet, Id have the Tragically Hip sing "Poets", lyrics go as such:
"Don't tell me what the poets are doing
Don't tell me that they're talk'n tough
Don't tell me that they're anti-social
Somehow not anti-social enough"
kay ryan would be my poet - she's short but sweet. And I'd love to hear Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, maybe the kid from Romeo and Juliet for some tears, although his voice probably already broke...
Fantomas
Immortal Technique
Girl Talk
Mayhem
Lady Gaga
Bloodbath
Lady Gaga??? Seriously??
i think that the poet was amazing. it resonated well with barack's address. her poem was earthy yet uplifting. oh yes
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