H'w'd heavyhitters plan Bush inaugural parties
RIAA, PBS show producing event in downtown D.C.
The Recording Industry Assn. of America and the PBS show "Austin City Limits" are producing Thursday's event at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown D.C. A cadre of other notables have signed on as co-hosts, including the Motion Picture Assn. of America, Vivendi Universal and MTV's Rock the Vote.
Entertainment execs understand the importance of reaching across the partisan divide. But there is no question that Hollywood's reaction is far more muted than it was to either of President Clinton's inaugurations.
Billing for the RIAA party reflects more than just the switch in political party power; it represents a switch in personal presidential taste.
Think Clinton, think Barbra Streisand and other high-end luminaries. Think George W. Bush, think Texas, think country.
Asleep at the Wheel and MCA Nashville recording star Womack will perform for the incoming Bush administration and the Texas congressional delegation. The unofficial inaugural event is expected to be one of the hottest tickets in town.
On Thursday afternoon, Hollywood producer George Schlatter will stage the official kickoff at the Lincoln Memorial with appearances from Latin superstar Ricky Martin and Broadway maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub, a Bush family friend and longtime Republican, has used his influence to rally support for Bush's inauguration on Saturday.
The Creative Coalition, a nonpartisan arts advocacy group headed by actor William Baldwin, is throwing an inauguration party, as is NBC and parent company General Electric.
