The Dead/Haynes & Lots More Join Obama’s Inaugural Ball
By Team JamBase Jan 15, 2009 • 3:20 pm PST

INAUGURAL WEEKEND KICKOFF PARTY AND JOINS THE DEAD AT MID-ATLANTIC INAUGURAL BALL
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The Inaugural Weekend Kickoff Party, taking place on Friday, January 16, boasts a guest list that is a who’s who of Capital Hill’s political elite, including former Clinton Chief of Staff and current Presidential Transition Team head John Podesta, who will be giving the opening remarks, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who will introduce Haynes. Haynes, known worldwide for his work as a founding member of Gov’t Mule and his continuing role in the Allman Brothers Band and The Dead, performed at Pelosi’s own inauguration in 2007.
Haynes’ participation in the inaugural festivities continues on January 20 when he resumes his duties as guitarist and vocalist with the Dead at the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball, which will be attended by President Barack Obama. The Dead will launch an extensive arena tour this spring – their first tour in five years. For full details and tour itinerary, go here. Other artists involved in the Inauguration include: The Derek Trucks Band with Susan Tedeschi at the Southern Ball Common, Jack Johnson at the President Obama Home States Ball, Maroon 5 at the Vice President Biden Home States Ball, Sheryl Crow at the Midwestern Ball, James Taylor at the Eastern Ball, Yolanda Adams, Carole King and the Dartmouth Gospel Choir at Finance Welcome Brunch. There is also “The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration,” to be held on Inauguration Day, next Tuesday evening with musical performers to include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder.
U2 will join a stellar lineup of artists at The Lincoln Memorial in Washington this Sunday for ‘We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration.’ Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Usher, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder are among the acts performing while Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington are among those reading historical passages.