See Which Country Stars Are Performing at Donald Trump Inauguration Events
Despite a number of celebrities declining to be part of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities, the nation’s capital will not be completely void of star power this Inauguration Weekend (Jan. 19-22). Some familiar country names are performing at various functions to celebrate the inauguration of the incoming President.
The biggest-name country star performing is Toby Keith, who has also participated in events for George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The Oklahoma-born singer is no stranger to performing at political and military functions, having carried out more than 200 shows in Iraq and Afghanistan for the USO.
Keith will headline the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration on Jan. 19, along with Lee Greenwood. Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas), Lonestar‘s Richie McDonald and Restless Heart‘s Larry Stewart will also perform together at the Frontmen of Country. The Welcome Celebration will be held at Lincoln Memorial and include remarks from the President-elect.
Rushlow will also debut his new Big Band act while performing for the incoming President and First Lady's first dance on Jan. 20.
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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Keith notes that he will not apologize for performing for “our country or military.” Greenwood, who is best known for his patriotic hit “God Bless the U.S.A.,” shares a similar sentiment.
“I’m honored to be part of history again and sing for President-elect Donald Trump,” Greenwood says in a statement. “This is a time to overcome challenges in our country and band together. My wife Kim and I are looking forward to the inauguration ceremonies.”
Country artists Big & Rich, Darryl Worley, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts and more are also booked to perform at inaugural balls, held by various political organizations throughout the weekend of the inauguration.
"We're thrilled to be performing in our nation's capital during this historic moment in time," John Rich says. "A presidential inauguration is a uniquely American event, so we are honored to be a part of it and hope to help make it a memorable event."
Celebrities rumored to have passed on inauguration festivities include Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Gene Simmons of Kiss and Elton John. Garth Brooks also declined an invitation to perform when it turned out the date conflicted with his concert schedule.
Readers can flip through the photo gallery above to learn more about which country stars are connected to which events to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.
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