by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
It was a perfect mix of pop and patriotism on Saturday evening, all in the name of the armed forces and their families for the Kids Inaugural Concert.
The concert, hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, featured a parade of top musical stars and messages from well-wishing celebs who wanted to make sure their voices were heard in support of the armed forces and President Barack Obama.
Usher got the crowd on their feet with his smooth sounds and smoother dance moves. Soul Children and Black Violin kept the revelry going along with Mindless Behavior, a favorite of the Obama girls who anxiously looked on from the audience.
The packed house at the DC Convention Center was not the only audience for the celebratory evening though; the concert was being streamed to military bases and families across the nation to make sure they could feel like a part of the festivities.
Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden were direct when they took the stage, speaking about the importance of unity, support and bringing people together for the good of the nation.
The pair discussed their foundation, Joining Forces, which was joint effort from both women to lend support to military families. The First Lady was met with thunderous applause from the audience as she (and her new hairstyle) took the stage to introduce headliner Katy Perry.
The evening was defined by celebration and support and was a welcomed break from partisan bickering and political topics, but Mrs. Obama was eager to share that all the acts for the evening were thrilled to take part in the Inauguration and asked to be there.
“Katy Perry wanted to be here. Nick Cannon, the folks from Glee, and all the other amazing performers — they wanted to be here, too. And let me tell you, they’re not here for me. They’re not here for Dr. Biden. They are here for all of you.”
Perry, dressed like the love child of Captain America and Wonder Woman rocked the evening away with her well-known hits like “Wide Awake” “Part of Me” “Teenage Dream” and a booming performance of “Firework” to end the evening, accompanied by pictures of the President with children.
As the Inaugural party weekend got into full-swing, there was no better way to begin, than with a song.
