Four years ago the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County began a tradition that brings the South Florida community together in the celebration of democracy. For President Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, we invited the public to watch the ceremony on the big screen.
On Jan. 21, we will once again open our doors and invite South Florida residents to view history in the making. As Americans descend upon Washington D.C. for the 57th inaugural ceremony, South Floridians will gather at the Arsht Center for a free community celebration and live television simulcast of the festivities at our nation’s capitol.
As Miami’s new Town Square, the Arsht Center is a natural place for our diverse community to come together every four years when the nation turns its eyes to Washington D.C., and with school out on Inauguration Day this year, we are encouraging the entire family to come out.
This year’s event will feature a presentation of the colors by Homestead Senior High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard, live musical performance by the New World School of the Arts Concert Choir with the Arsht Center’s New Gospel Talent Search winner Bianca Sirgany-Castro, as well as guest appearances by CBS4 personalities and local elected officials — in addition to the simulcast of the President’s address and inauguration parade.
Jan. 21 is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To commemorate this national day of service, we encourage event attendees to bring school supplies, toiletries, new socks and new undergarments to be donated to the Chapman Partnership, which operates a Homeless Assistance Center in downtown Miami.
Alan Fein, chair elect of the Performing Arts Center Trust, is spearheading fundraising efforts to make this free community event possible. We are grateful to Knight Foundation and media sponsor CBS4 for sharing our belief in convening community and supporting this event. The celebration presents a unique opportunity for Miami’s business and philanthropic leaders to support a community tradition, and we are sure many more will want to be a part of it.
The last inauguration had the largest attendance of any event in the history of Washington D.C. That enthusiasm was also felt at the Arsht Center, where we filled both halls with more than 3,000 guests for the Community Event and Live Simulcast. We hope that Miami-Dade residents will once again feel inspired to witness our President’s swearing-in ceremony together and celebrate our faith inAmerica’s future.
Admission to the Community Celebration and Live Television Simulcast is free and parking will be available for $5 at in Lot C, located on Northeast Second Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets. For more information about the event and how to secure free first access passes, visit www.arshtcenter.org
