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Photo Essay: 'WE ARE ONE: The Obama Inaugural Celebration Concert'
By: Walter McBride Jan. 22, 2009
"We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration," the star-studded concert kicked off the official inaugural festivities on Sunday, Jan. 18. The event was free and open to the public at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The starry concert brought out a huge audience to cheer on the then President-Elect.
BroadwayWorld is proud to bring you master photographer Walter McBride's Photo Essay of the event.
The lineup of performers mixed some of today's biggest pop stars with iconic musical luminaries. Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and many more artists all appear on the same stage. In addition, an assembly of leading actors read historical passages throughout the special.
According to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, "The Sunday afternoon performance was grounded in history and brought to life entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama and which will be the hallmarks of his administration." The concert portion started around 2:30 p.m. At the end of the performance, then President-Elect Obama addressed the crowd.
Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
The WE ARE ONE Concert at the Lincoln Memorial
The WE ARE ONE Concert at the Lincoln Memorial
WE ARE ONE
The concert begins
WE ARE ONE
Views on the big screen
Jill Biden and Vice President Joe Biden
Jill Biden and Vice President Joe Biden greet President Barack Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama
President Barack Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama
President Barack Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama
President Barack Obama
The crowd cheers on Obama!
Views from the audience
Natasha "Sasha" Obama and Malia Anne Obama
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument
The concert begins
Josh Groban and Heather Headley
Bono
Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi
Records crowds attended the event
Beyonce Knowles
Beyonce Knowles
People grabbed a seat anywhere and everywhere!
WE ARE ONE
The crowd joined in united celebration
Views from the crowd
Views from the crowd
The energy of the crowd was powerful
Waving the flag of celebration
The Washington Monument
WE ARE ONE drew the crowds in to watch and celebrate
The crowd held rapt with attention
A audience united!
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial
Taking a camera picture of the moment
Each person in the audience shared in the celebration
Cheering the performers on!
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument
WE ARE ONE
Washington, DC was the place to celebrate
Showing their support
Powerful images of a very special event
Videos