Welcome to the first Essential Arts newsletter of the President Biden era. I’m Times arts writer Jessica Gelt, filling in for the indefatigable Carolina Miranda with a rundown of the week’s culture news the Bernie memes edition.
The Biden inauguration, with L.A. assists
The inauguration proceedings were a little surreal, what with the National Mall largely empty and the ceremony at the Capitol filled with ex-presidents in face coverings reminding us that we might have a new administration, but we’re still in the same old pandemic times.
Arts staffers here, like the rest of Twitter, were amused by the presence of the famously irascible
SHARE
It s official: Joe Biden is President of the United States and Kamala Harris is his Vice President, making her the first woman, black American and Asian-American to ever take up the historic role.
To mark the occasion, the administration s official inauguration featured a TV special, including a concert and parade.
Here are the most memorable moments from the shows. The Star-Spangled Banner
Before it all kicked off, Lady Gaga delivered an emotional rendition of America s national anthem.
She was accompanied by the United States Marine Band, performing on the steps of the US Capitol
as Biden, Harris, their families and many more looked on.
Skip to main content
Currently Reading
Jennifer Lopez worked the dance track Let s Get Loud into her inauguration medley. It actually made perfect sense.
Bethonie Butler, The Washington Post
Jan. 20, 2021
FacebookTwitterEmail
Jennifer Lopez sings before Joe Biden is sworn in as president on Jan. 20.Washington Post photo by Jonathan Newton
Jennifer Lopez had already sung the famed folk song This Land is Your Land and was midway through America the Beautiful when she paused to deliver a patriotic message at President Biden s inauguration: One nation, under God, she said in Spanish. Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Then Lopez started singing again, but it wasn t either of the numbers she had previously announced. Let s get loud! she belted as the United States Marine Band soared into a crescendo.
Illinois lawmakers comment on Biden Inauguration
Bipartisan call issued to work together
Jan. 20, 2021
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of8
Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. More coverage of the inauguration is found online at thetelegraph.com. and inside Thursday’s issue of The Telegraph. Show MoreShow Less
2of8
WASHINGTON Local lawmakers on Wednesday welcomed the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We’ve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile,” Biden said. “At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day in history and hope, of renewal and resolve.”