Life of Brian: Inauguration Opening Concert - Day 2

Hi gang!

I made it to the concert as I hoped! It started at 2:30 pm but gates opened at 8 AM and I did not get an early start (hey its me after all). Actually we were still making group plans this morning and it ended up that my roomies all went for a drive/tour of DC instead so I was solo for the concert. But y'all know how bashful I am so that was not a problem! I was still able to get in after a short ride on the Metro and about a mile of hoofing it to the mall and then waiting through a security line and then I was into the mall area between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

At first I stopped on the side of the mall where the crowd seemed thick. OK, its not too bad for coming late right? But I see people still moving towards the reflection pool (i.e. "skating rink" this time of year as its frozen!) so maybe I can get closer.....?

Oh yeah - that's what I'm talking about! This is where I ended (and was stuffed in a crowd so I couldn't leave to drink, eat, etc.). It was close enough to see the figures (small of course) without the video monitors! As I started talking to a guy next to me (Willy) I found he was from, California - Altadena to be exact. What are the chances of going to an event with an estimated half million people in another state across the country and standing next to someone who actually lives about 5 miles from me?? Too funny!

Bruce Springsteen opened backed by a red-robed gospel choir and then the Obama family arrived. The event alternated celebrity speeches and musical performers who were a virtual "who's who" of music. There were unique duets and combos (like Herbe Hancock at piano with James Taylor singing) and stars like John Cougar Melecamp, Bono, Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Cheryl Crow and many more. Vice President-elect Joe Biden and President-elect Obama both gave rousing speeches. Denzel Washington was the first celebrity to speak in a long list that included Tom Hanks, Forrest Whittiker, Jamie Fox (whose Obama impression was hysterical) , Samuel Jackson, Tiger Woods, etc. I have to admit that I dislike country music so when Garth Brooks came up I did an internal groan.. and then he performed a super high energy version of "Shout!" with a background choir that brought the house down and had everyone dancing and throwing their hands in the air. Sheryl Crow and will.i.am performed "One Love" togther. If you did not see Will.i.am's Obama "Yes We Can" video during the elections, you really should check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

Thanks Willy (remember my new friend from Altadena?) for the photo to prove I was actually there! That is Brian sporting his recently purchased winter hat and I was also able to finally wear my scarf (thanks Laura)! It was in the 30's today with no wind or snow so it was not really that bad (says the Southern Californian). Of course the other possibility is that my Ohio DNA kicked in to keep me alive!

And yes Virginia, there is Obama marketing. I bought a few things today as I came back down 17th Street past the mob of vendors selling everything conceivable that was Obama related. When I returned to our condo and viewed Debbie's stash from today's shop-a-thon I was humbled. Let's just say I got spanked! Here is the photo of the loot - note, my purchases are the sparten 2 hats and a bag on the right (Debbie says "Take That!").

I have been invited by some of my Obama California activist friends to join in a "Day of service" at a local school tomorrow so I am going to try and go. Don't forget to try and to attend a service event if you can Monday, as Obama has requested us to honor Martin Luther King Jr. You can check out the Foothill Community Democrat site for a food drop opportunity. To quote Ghandi "Be the Change You Want to See in the World"!