The Talladega College marching band has reportedly been invited to play in the inauguration parade for President-elect Donald Trump. Should they go?
Usually, a chance to perform during an official Presidential inauguration event is something that any artist or performer would jump at the chance to do. While many times artists and politicians’ views may differ, no one can doubt that it’s still a good look. But as we all know, the 2017 inauguration of Donald Trump is just different.
So far Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry are among the names who reportedly told the Trump administration “no” to performing. For the most part, nobody in the arts or pop culture [that people actually like] wants to be seen standing too close to dude right now. Unless of course, you’re Kanye West.
Even bands who are not comprised of celebrities are asking themselves, should they or shouldn’t they perform at an event celebrating a man who has managed to insult, threaten or alienate just about every demographic in America.
One band in particular that may be posing this question are the Talladega College Marching Tornadoes. Talladega College is a Historically Black College located in Talladega, Ala. The marching band has reportedly been invited to play in the inauguration parade in January. If they accept, they will be joining a very short list of performers who are participating in any inaugural activities. So far there are only three confirmed acts; 16-year old classical singer Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Missouri State University Chorale and the Radio City Rockettes.
It should be noted that a singer from the “MoTab” choir resigned saying they couldn’t look themselves in the mirror after performing for Trump, while three Rockettes have said they will sit the inauguration performance out. Also, Missouri State University Chorale signed up to perform at the inauguration back in October before they even knew who would be elected.
The Marching Tornados have yet to confirm or deny if they will be accepting the invite. But that hasn’t stopped people from debating what their decision should be.
