'Wang Dang Sweet Poontang' and coerced Rockettes might be the only inaugural entertainment

Rss@dailykos.com (doctor Rj) · Monday, December 26, 2016, 10:46 pm

Donald Trump’s inauguration is less than a month away, and attempts to secure entertainment for the event has been just as much a shitshow as the campaign, and presumably indicative of the well-oiled machine the American public has to look forward to over the next four years. According to reports, the Trump people are desperate for A-list celebrities to sign on to the festivities, and have been going hat in hand to big names, “willing to pay anything” to get their participation. However, so far at least, there have been few takers, and some instances of outright refusal and outrage.

Among the only confirmed performers are the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jackie Evancho —a 16-year-old America’s Got Talent contestant, who will sing the national anthem at the inauguration— and The Rockettes. The decision by Madison Square Garden Company chairman James Dolan to include the Rockettes in Trump’s inauguration has been met with considerable blowback, since at least some of the group’s dancers have expressed their “embarrassment” and “disappointment” at the prospect of being involved. This was compounded by initial reports the Rockettes’ union had instructed the dancers they were required to perform, whether they liked it or not, which seemed somewhat symbolic for an administration headed by a president not exactly known for being respectful of women’s consent. Within a day of the stories of upset dancers, both MSG and the American Guild of Variety Artists —the union representing the dancers— “clarified” their positions, and announced performing at the inauguration would be voluntary for Rockettes.

In the meantime, the search continues to find people beyond Ted Nugent doing the greatest hits off Cat Scratch Fever and Kid Rock butchering classic rock songs. Both Celine Dion and Elton John have turned down requests to perform, which was somewhat surprising for John, since he usually shows up to cash a check and turned some heads when he performed at Rush Limbaugh’s wedding some years back. Another performer known for showing up as long as the check clears, Gene Simmons, has said —through his wife— KISS will not be performing. Some Trump supporters have been lamenting tenor Andrea Boccelli deciding against taking part in the inauguration, claiming the backlash of being associated with Trump is the reason.

Also, the Beach Boys have been asked to appear.  Although, a lineup of Mike Love, possibly “Uncle Jesse,” and a bunch of session musicians is not exactly the Beach Boys.

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