Gay band among musicians to play at Obama inauguration
19/12/2008 16:52
A number of bands from Chicago and other US cities have been selected to
play during the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama in January, local
media reported yesterday.
A group of musicians from Chicago will play a show
dubbed "The Big Shoulders Inauguration Ball" on January 19, the eve of the
inauguration in Washington.
The show is being organized by local rock club
the Hideout and Interchange, a volunteer group that encourages political
involvement through underground art.
The organizers describe the event as a
"celebration of citizen politics, independent music and Windy City civic
pride."
Five musicians from the Blazing River Freedom Band, part of the
larger Lesbian and Gay Band Association, will play at Obama's inauguration
parade.
This will be the first inaugural parade with an openly lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender group. The Lesbian and Gay Band Association played for
former President Bill Clinton's two inaugurations, but only as sideline and
pre-parade entertainment.
Inaugural committee spokesman Chris Mather said
this year's committee, which screened 1,382 groups, picked bands and events to
reflect "our common values" and the country's history.
Xinhua
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