Inaugural ball celebrates Obama’s second term

WASHINGTON, D.C.— “Obama’s on fire,” Alicia Keys crooned from the piano at the head of the stage. “Everybody knows that Michelle is his girl.”

Keys’ performance under the Obama-Biden seal kicked off the Inaugural Ball’s live musical performance and drew cheers from the gathered crowd. Most wore floor-length gowns and tuxedos and sipped small drinks as they turned their faces toward the stage.

In 2009, Obama supporters looking to dance away Inauguration Day chose from 10 balls, many of which were held in the same convention center. This year, in a move that reflected political and financial austerity, as many as 40,000 supporters chose from just two: the Commander In Chief’s Ball, for Military Families, and the Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

“I thought it would be fancier, to be honest,” Mayra Perez, an attendee, said. “I pictured it differently.”

Ball-goers entered the building through heavy security that spanned several blocks around the perimeter. Once inside, most moved down to the concrete Convention Center floor, decorated with glowing balls and presidential seals. Bars and snack stations with pretzels and Cheez-Its were scattered throughout the space, but the expanse was still vast.

Perez and date Aakash Dsai found tickets a few weeks ago online. As country artist Brad Paisley took the stage, Perez said that for $60, the tickets had been well worth it.

Paisley opened with “American Saturday Night” and performed several songs. Fun took the stage next and played hits like “Some Nights” and “We Are Young,” crowd favorites that created an Inaugural Ball sing-along.

The floor was filled with supporters of all ages. A six-year-old danced for his parents in a corner near the media area. Viewers in the wheelchair-accessible section rose for Mexican band Maná. Other performers included members of the “Glee” cast, John Legend, Soundgarden and Stevie Wonder.

Just before 9:30 p.m., President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage at the front of the room. As Jennifer Hudson sang Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” the couple danced and spun and waved to the crowd, celebrating the promise of another term as the country’s first couple.