The Washington Post
Inaugural committee names performers for the big day
By JACQUELINE TRESCOTT
January 6, 1993
In the next few days, the committee is expected to announce the talent for “America’s Reunion on the Mall,” the outdoor festival Jan. 17 and 18; the “Call for Reunion,” a show that Quincy Jones is producing at the Lincoln Memorial the evening of Jan. 17; the Presidential Gala, which will be televised from the Capital Centre Jan. 18; and the various inaugural balls.
The enthusiasm that the entertainment community showed during the campaign and at the Democratic Convention last summer – support for Clinton that was highlighted by a miniconcert by Barbra Streisand at a Hollywood fund-raiser last September – is also marking the official and unofficial events of inaugural week. Indeed, it’s shaping up as the most star-studded inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s in 1981, when Frank Sinatra directed the celebrity gathering efforts.
Streisand was one of the earliest celebrities to confirm that she would appear at an inaugural event, and is expected to perform at the gala. Other celebrities expected to attend either as guests or performers include Aretha Franklin, Kenny G., Judy Collins, Michael Bolton, the Beach Boys, Melba Moore, Bonnie Raitt, Ted Danson, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Richard Dreyfuss, Richard Gere, Cindy Crawford, Carrie Fisher, Bette Midler, Mary Steenburgen, Linda Ronstadt, and Peter, Paul and Mary.
For many of the events, performers who have been identified with causes have been signed up. Richie Havens, Kenny Loggins and Paul Winter will entertain at the Environmental Inaugural Ball at the Washington Harbor Complex on Jan. 20.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has enlisted k.d. lang, Lindsay Wagner and Rod McKuen for its Jan. 19 ball.
Participants previously announced include mezzo soprano Marilyn Home, who will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the swearing-in at noon on the West Front of the Capitol.
If you look at the picture of Bette with Bill Clinton, and compare it with the picture of her above with Billy Crystal, you could swear that Bette hasn’t aged a day. I hope I can hold it together that well in 20 years! A thing of beauty is a joy forever…..