We Are One Event, originally uploaded by tony.eckersley.

President Barack Obama with the help of an all-star line-up of talent will kick off the inaugural celebration in Washington, D.C., with a free and open event at the Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street.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.

It was great to be in the crowd for this and we met some really nice people. My personal highlights was Garth Brooks singing American Pie and Shout. It was a great “warm up” for Tuesday!

Also, this was the first time I had heard Barack Obama speak in person.

Hit the jump to see a slide of the event

Meet Hodges, originally uploaded by tony.eckersley.

This is our pet hedgehog – Hodges!

He is a 2 month old male African Pygmy Hedgehog. He scares easy!

He doesn’t roll though….

More Pics after the Jump!

Meet Hodges, originally uploaded by tony.eckersley.