Obama inaugural schedule released

The president will have a more low-key celebration this year than in 2009: only three days of festivities are scheduled, instead of four, and two official inaugural balls instead of 10. 

{mosads}Most of the work is done: Construction on the inaugural platform on the West Front of the Capital is completed and the viewing stands in front of the White House, where the Obamas will watch the parade, are finished. 

Tickets are starting to be given to the public for seating and standing areas on the National Mall. Estimates put the crowd at a million less than in 2009: only 600,000 to 800,000 expected on Monday instead of the 1.8 million who watched Obama become the nation’s first African-American president.

Here is the official schedule of events:

SATURDAY, JAN. 19

Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden, Jill Biden and various Cabinet members will participate in a National Day of Service at various locations throughout Washington. There will also be a Service Summit on the National Mall, which begins at 9:30 a.m.

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden will host a Kids’ Inaugural Concert at 6 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center.

SUNDAY, JAN. 20

Vice President Biden is officially sworn in at the Naval Observatory at 8:15 a.m.

Obama is officially sworn in in the Blue Room of the White House at 11:55 a.m.

The Constitution requires the oath of office on Jan. 20. When the 20th occurs on a Sunday, it’s traditional for there to be a ceremonial swearing-in on Monday.

MONDAY, JAN. 21

The Ceremonial Swearing-In Ceremony on Capitol Hill begins at 11:30 a.m.

Here is the order of events for the ceremony: Musical Selections for the United States Marine Band; PS 22 in Staten Island, N.Y.; and Lee University Festival Choir from Cleveland, Tenn.

Then, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the JCCIC, will give welcoming remarks. Myrlie Evers-Williams will give the invocation. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will sing. Associate Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will administer the oath of office to Biden. James Taylor will perform. John Roberts, chief justice of the United States, will swear in Obama. Obama will give his inaugural address. Kelly Clarkson will sing. Richard Blanco will read a poem. There will be a benediction, and then Beyoncé will sing the National Anthem.

Afterward, the Obamas, Bidens, members of Congress and guests will have lunch in Statuary Hall in the Capitol building.

The Inaugural Parade begins at 2:35 p.m. The Obamas and Bidens will both participate. Its path goes down Pennsylvania Ave, where there are viewing stands and bleachers. The parade will feature participants, floats and vehicles representing more than 58 groups.

The commander in chief’s Inaugural Ball, honoring members of the military, begins at 6 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center.

The Inaugural Ball, for Obama’s supporters, begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22

The Obamas and the Bidens will participate in a National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.