Gene Robinson Left Out of HBO Airing of We Are One

The openly gay Bishop's invocation wasn't broadcast in the We Are One airing yesterday. How did Robinson get left out? Read it here. He will be included in all future airings, according to HBO.
Here's his prayer:

We Aren't in Dick Cheney's America Anymore

Goodness. I was logged off for the evening. Until I read this story at Salon. This story really captured the feeling at We Are One. I wasn't there but I watched it so I kind of felt like I was there. The feeling is change has come to America. I don't recall any sort of joyous behavior or celebrations when George Bush took office.
Anyway, Garth Brooks stole the show. Video here. From Salon:

If you'd told me that Garth Brooks would sing more songs than any other entertainer, including Beyonce, Bono and Bruce Springsteen, I'd have been prepared to be disappointed. But for me one high point was Brooks doing the Isley Brothers' "Shout" – it helps if you saw the movie "Wedding Crashers'" great montage showing lame cover bands doing "Shout" at weddings of every race and culture, Jewish, Indian, Irish, African American. Yes, I'll admit that made me think of Obama presiding over a sappy interracial wedding, and watching that sea of arms flying up every time Brooks said "throw your hands up" was one of my favorite moments of the day.

The genius of the whole event was the culture mashup – readings presented by duos like Steve Carell and Jamie Foxx, Jack Black and Rosario Dawson, Laura Linney and Martin Luther King III, Forest Whitaker and Ashley Judd – yes, Jack Black. Likewise, Jon Bon Jovi and Bettye LaVette's duet on Sam Cooke's Obama anthem "A Change is Gonna Come" was extraordinarily moving. My personal high point – I'd have braved the cold and crowds for this moment alone – was Pete Seeger and his son, joined by Springsteen, singing all the lyrics to "This Land is Your Land" – and watching Obama sing along. The only remotely controversial note (beyond Robinson's prayer for anger at discrimination) was when Bono called the values embodied in Obama's election "an American dream, an Irish dream… a European dream, an African dream, an Israeli dream,” and then added: “And also a Palestinian dream.”

Pete Seeger was my favorite moment as well. But Garth really got everyone going. Who knew he was such a great entertainer:

And yes, then there was Garth Brooks. The entire crowd – young, old, black, white, Latino, Asian, everyone – seemed to sing along to "American Pie," including Obama, which could mark him, generationally and culturally, more than anything else that happened today. Who knew they knew all the words? I didn't until today (actually, Brooks wisely shortened it.) And I couldn't help but see Brooks, singing along with a multiracial youth choir, as another part of Obama's outreach to red America, a real reminder that he doesn't plan to be president of Blue America, or Red America, but the United States of America. I hope Republicans get the message. Read more at Salon.

See more photos here. 

Here's a terrific collection of photos.
U2 video here
Beyonce finale here.
Will.I.Am and Sheryl Crow here.
NPR has some terrific photos here.
See Bruce here.

Another large selection of photos here.

NYT has collected reader-submitted photos here, which are brilliant. 

Here are Pete Seeger and Bruce:

Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi

Beyonce Sings the Finale at We Are One

Will.I.Am and Sheryl Crow One Love

Pete Seeger Busts Out This Land At We Are One

I love Pete Seeger. I saw photos of the rehearsal of We Are One and thought it was Willie Nelson. It was Pete! He and Bruce Springsteen led the crowd in This Land is Your Land. (see the video here). It was a brilliant production. The best part, amazingly enough (because I'm not a country music fan), was Garth Brooks singing American Pie and Shout. U2 and Bruce were great. Bruce's The Rising, played during the campaign, was fitting. Bono said "I have a Dream" is not just an American dream, it's "an Irish dream, a European dream, and African dream, an Israeli dream, and a Palestinian dream." 
Usher sang Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground, backed up by Stevie on keyboards. Oh, and Bettye LaVette-- wow! Awesome voice. 
Challenger, the bald Eagle, made an appearance. 
Obama's remarks.
CNN's take
Washington Post's take
NYT has some photos.
HBO has some photos.

Obama's remarks at We Are One:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

We Are One Clips:

Garth Brooks' Shout from the crowd:

Inaugural Events Jan. 18 We Are One

Update: See Video from the event here. 
On tap for today. The event starts at 2:30 eastern. If you've got HBO, that's where it will be. It will also be streamed at HBO.com. You can also listen to the concert at NPR. Check out rehearsal photos here.

Also, at noon, there is a dramatic reading of the constitution at the Newseum.

We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial Sunday’s welcome event at the Lincoln Memorial 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.


Where:
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street

When:
January 18, 2009

Broadcast Restrictions:
HBO will exclusively televise this event. A transmission pool feed will be available during remarks. Independent live shots will be permitted before and after event program ONLY.

Who:
President-elect Barack Obama, Mrs. Michelle Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden

Performances:
Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Rob Mathes will be the music director and arranger for the backing band, which will support all of the artists. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.

We Are One Rehearsal Photos

We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street
Doors open: 8:00 AM EST
Event begins: 2:30 PM EST
This event is free and open to the public.
Public gates open at 8:00 AM. More details.

It will be streamed at HBO, which has the exclusive broadcast rights to the concert. You can also listen to the concert at NPR.









Other preparations:

Tiger Woods Speaking at Obama's Inauguration

Update: See video below.

Update: See Tiger Woods at the encore We Are One concert here.

Tiger Woods, who has tried to stay out of politics during his ascent to one of the world's most famous athletes, has accepted an invitation to speak at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday as part of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration festivities.

Woods posted a short statement on his Web site to say he would speak at "We Are One,'' a concert and celebration that will be broadcast live on HBO and feature entertainers such as Beyonce, U2, Stevie Wonder and Garth Brooks, along with appearances by Denzel Washington and Martin Luther King III.

"I am honored that I was invited to this historic event and look forward to participating in Sunday's festivities,'' Woods said. NBC sports

Info about We Are One:

We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street

Doors open: 8:00 AM EST

Event begins: 2:30 PM EST

This event is free and open to the public.

Public gates open at 8:00 AM at the following locations:

- Public Entry A: Constitution Avenue at 19th Street

- Public Entry B: Constitution Avenue at Virginia Avenue

- Public Entry C: 17th Street at North Elm Walk

- Public Entry D: 17th Street at South Elm Walk

- Public Entry E: Independence Avenue at the DC War Memorial

See We are One at HBO.com or listen at NPR. Performers at We Are One

Inauguration Events and Times Jan. 18 - Jan. 21

The swearing-in ceremony starts at 11:30 eastern time.
Here is the latest information on all of the official events from Pic2009:

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Streamed online at HBO. 
We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street

Doors open: 8:00 AM EST

Event begins: 2:30 PM EST

This event is free and open to the public.

Public gates open at 8:00 AM at the following locations:

- Public Entry A: Constitution Avenue at 19th Street

- Public Entry B: Constitution Avenue at Virginia Avenue

- Public Entry C: 17th Street at North Elm Walk

- Public Entry D: 17th Street at South Elm Walk

- Public Entry E: Independence Avenue at the DC War Memorial

The Reflecting Pool area, JFK Hockey Fields and Constitution Gardens are open to the public and space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Restricted items for the Lincoln Memorial grounds for the Inaugural Opening Ceremonies:

- Firearms

- Ammunition

- Explosives

- Weapons of any kind

- Aerosols

- Supports for signs

- Packages

- Coolers

- Thermal or glass containers

- Backpacks

- Bags and signs exceeding the size restrictions of 6"X4"X8”

- Laser pointers

- Animals other than helper/guide dogs

- Structures

- Bicycles

- Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard


MONDAY, JANUARY 19

Renew America Together: A Call to Service
On Monday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their families - just like Americans in communities across the country - will participate in activities dedicated to serving others.

To find out more about “Renew America Together” or find a service event near you, please visit USAservice.org.

Community Service Day Lunch
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.


Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future
The Verizon Center

Doors open: 5:00 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.

Bipartisan Dinners
Each of the three bipartisan dinners will honor an American whose lifetime of public service has been enhanced by a dedication to bipartisan achievement.

National Building Museum
Honoree: General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)

Event begins: 5:00 PM EST

This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.


Hilton Washington
Honoree: Senator John McCain

Event begins: 5:00 PM EST

This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.


Union Station
Honoree: Vice President-elect Joe Biden

Event begins: 6:30 PM EST

This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.



TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

The Swearing-In Ceremony
United States Capitol, West Front

Event begins: 11:30 AM EST

No tickets are required to view the Inaugural Ceremony on the National Mall west of 4th Street.

We anticipate large crowds. As such, we strongly encourage you to visit the official Presidential Inaugural Committee at www.pic2009.org for updates, directions and additional information regarding transportation and pedestrian routes. Text the word “open” to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and ways you can participate, whether they’re in Washington or in your own community.


Inaugural Luncheon
United States Capitol

Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will attend an inaugural luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

This event is not open to the public. Please contact the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies at 202-244-2228 for more information.


Inaugural Parade
Pennsylvania Avenue

Event begins: While there is no official start time for the parade, it traditionally begins around 2:30 PM EST

The majority of the parade route will be free and open to the public for standing room access. Viewing spots along the parade route are available on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of bleacher seats were available for sale but have sold out.


Official Inaugural Balls
A ticket is required for admission to each ball.

Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall D
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 10:30 PM EST



President Obama Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall E
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST



Commander-in-Chief’s Ball
National Building Museum
Doors open: 5:30 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 12:00 midnight

Vice President Biden Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST


Mid-Atlantic Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall A
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 12:30 AM EST


Midwestern Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall C
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 1:30 AM EST


Western Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall B
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 1:00 AM EST



Youth Ball
Hilton Washington
Doors open: 7:00 PM EST

Event begins: 9:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST



Eastern Ball
Union Station
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST

Event begins: 10:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST



Southern Ball
DC Armory
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST

Event begins: 10:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 2:00 AM EST



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

National Prayer Service
Washington National Cathedral

The morning after the inauguration, a National Prayer Service with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will be held at the National Cathedral. The service will bring together dignitaries and Americans of diverse faiths to celebrate the previous day’s events through prayer, readings, and musical performances.

Doors Open: 7:30 AM EST

All ticketed guests should arrive before 8:30 AM EST.

This event is not open to the public. The service is by invitation only and tickets are required.

For other balls and events, visit here.