Entertainment 55th Inaugural performers

PIC Announces Entertainment Schedule for 55th Inaugural Events

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced the entertainment schedule for the Inaugural events.

“We are excited about what is a talented and diverse group of performers who will provide fantastic entertainment to enhance the Inaugural events. We’ve worked tirelessly to assemble a lineup that is not only unique, but represents the best and brightest of America’s talent,” said PIC Director Greg Jenkins.

Tuesday, January 18th
SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVE 2:00 p.m.
Artist Description
Kelsey Grammar (MC) Actor
Karri Turner (Reader) Actor
Don King (Reader) Boxing
Shandi Finnessey Miss U.S.A.
Richard Roundtree Actor
Gloria Estefan Singer
Bebe Winans Singer
John M. Montgomery Singer
Darrell Worley Singer
Heather Hedley Singer
Down Range Army Band
President’s Own String Duo-Marine Band
Color Guard Joint Armed Forces
3rd U.S. Infantry Presentation of Flags
Drill Team Soloists Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard
Navy Band Sea Chanters Navy Band

CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION 5:00 p.m.
Harpist
Pianist
Strolling Strings
Jazz Ensemble

AMERICA’S FUTURE ROCKS TODAY 5:00 p.m.
Artist Description
JoJo Pop/ Top 40
Hillary Duff Pop/ Top 40
Ruben Studdard Soul
3 Doors Down Rock
Boxkar Rock
Jason Sehorn Athlete

Wednesday, January 19th

CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH 10:30 a.m.
Harpist
Pianist
Strolling Strings
Jazz Ensemble

A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 4:00 p.m.
Artist Description
Kenny Chesney Singer
Gary Sinise Actor
Buzz Aldrin & Others Astronauts
Dale Earnhardt Jr. NASCAR
Daniel Rodriquez Singer
Billy Cerveny Singer
The Gatlin Brothers Singer
Eastern H.S. Choir of D.C. Singers
Temptations R&B
Kristen Chenoweth Singer
The Radio City Rockettes Dancers
Yolanda Adams R&B
Boxkar Rock

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #1 7:00 p.m.
Hartford Christian Academy Handbell Choir Bell Choir

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #2 7:00 p.m.
Ring of Fire Bell Choir Bell Choir

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #3 7:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Bells Bell Choir

Thursday, January 20th

CONSTITUTION BALL 7:00 p.m.
Doug Sorenson Orchestra 12-piece big band
High Society Band 10-piece variety band
Tuxedo Junction 6-piece jazz ensemble

FREEDOM BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Gene Donnati 16-piece big band
Casablanca 10-piece variety show band
Larry Scott Jazz ensemble

INDEPENDENCE BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Guy Lombardo Orchestra 15-piece orchestra
Funkiphino 10-piece variety band
The Wonders 7-piece variety band

TEXAS/ WYOMING BALL 7:00 p.m.
Tyrone Super-T R&B Soul Show Band
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra 17-piece orchestra
Beatlemania Live Nostalgic Beatle Cover Band
Dance Express 14-piece variety band

LIBERTY BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Marty Conn Blue Lunch Orchestra w/Bob Frank Orchestra
Escapade Variety Band
Michael Andrews & Swingerhead 9-piece swing band

DEMOCRACY BALL 7:00 p.m.
Ben Stein Emcee/comedian
Kaleidoscope Variety band
Sidney’s Orchestra 13-piece big band

PATRIOT BALL 7:00 p.m.
Dennis Samsa Orchestra Orchestra
Fabulous Fantoms Variety Band

STARS & STRIPES BALL 7:00 p.m.
The Pat Dorn Orchestra Orchestra
Colours Variety Band
Doppelganger Variety Band

COMMANDER-IN- CHIEF BALL 7:00 p.m.
Ken Arlen’s Orchestra Variety Band
Wil Gravatt Band Country Band
Mark Wills Country Artist

SOURCE: PIC

Palestinian Elections

President's Statement on Palestinian Elections January 9, 2005

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am heartened by today's strong turnout in the Palestinian elections. Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza took a key step toward building a democratic future by choosing a new president in elections that observers describe as largely free and fair. This is a historic day for the Palestinian people and for the people of the Middle East.

America and all free nations strongly support the efforts of the Palestinian people to create lasting democratic institutions. These efforts -- including today's presidential elections and the parliamentary elections that will follow in several months -- are essential for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic, and peaceful Palestinian state that can live alongside a safe and secure Israel. These elections are further proof that when given a choice, all peoples seek to live in liberty and to choose their own government.

The United States stands ready to help the Palestinian people realize their aspirations. The new Palestinian president and his cabinet face critical tasks ahead, including fighting terrorism, combatting corruption, building reformed and democratic institutions, and reviving the Palestinian economy. We look forward to working with him and the Palestinian people to address these challenges and to advance the cause of Middle East peace consistent with the vision I set forth on June 24, 2002, of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Other countries also have constructive and vital roles to play. Israel must help to improve the humanitarian and economic situation in the West Bank and Gaza, and follow through with the Disengagement Plan. The Arab states must take concrete steps with all parties to create a regional environment conducive to peace, lend financial support to the Palestinian people, and refuse to assist or harbor terrorists. The United States is looking carefully at how we can best organize and fund our own efforts to help the parties achieve a lasting peace. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 9, 2005