Release on Inauguration Kick-Off and Children's Concert

For Immediate Release Contact: PIC Communications Office
Friday, December 19, 2008

Inaugural Kick Off to be Held on the Steps of the Lincoln Memorial

Inaugural Eve to Feature Concert for America's Children

Washington, D.C. -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) will host a welcome event to kick off the 56th Presidential Inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th. The PIC also plans to hold a youth concert on the evening of Monday, January 19th, at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington. Sunday's welcome event and Monday's concert will continue President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden's commitment to hold an Inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects a spirit of unity for Americans of all ages. The afternoon welcome event, to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the west end of the National Mall, will be free and open to the public. Dedicated to the memory of America's 16th President, the Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many Presidential Inauguration activities in recent years. President Clinton held a free concert on the grounds in 1993 that included performances by Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, and Bob Dylan. In 2001, President-elect Bush kicked off his inaugural festivities at the site with performances by Ricky Martin, Charlotte Church, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The PIC is also pleased to announce that a concert for America's children will be held the night before the Inauguration, Monday, January 19th. The concert will be free, but tickets will be required. Further details of the welcome event, concert and other inaugural activities will be made available in the coming weeks. For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org <http://www.pic2009.org/page/m2/14907f29/57844138/2a8c1c4c/607ee3a2/1815735333/VEsH/> .###