Obama sets precedence with a 'Green' Inaugural Ball

The Green Inaugural Ball, presented by Discovery Channel’s Planet Green, will feature a performance by Grammy(R) Award-winner, Wyclef Jean. Additional entertainment for the evening includes JUST.LIVE and celebrity DJ Beverly Bond. Local radio personality, Tony Richards, is slated to be the Master of Ceremonies. Top environmentalists are scheduled to speak, including: Graham Hill, founder of TreeHugger and VP of Planet Green Interactive; Summer Rayne Oakes, model, activist and on-air correspondent for Planet Green; Christiana Wyly, environmental entrepreneur; Margie Alt, Executive Director of Environment America; Gay Browne, founder of Greenopia and Honorable Consul Thassanee Wanick.

Co-producer Stephanie Campbell says, “We are thrilled about the line-up for the evening. The theme carried throughout evening will be Actions Not Words.”

Art sensation, Ryan Simmons will be in attendance with his eight foot tall Pop Art painting of Barack Obama. Explains Simmons, “My true concern was getting out the vote. Art and politics can be risky, but it was important to me to inspire people to get up, get out, and let their voices be heard.” When asked how much he would sell the painting for, he replied, “It’s not for sale. I’m taking it to Inaugural.” And that’s exactly where he’s headed next.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of The Green Inaugural Ball,” says Simmons, “It’s a celebration of real change, a call to action for us all and, I hope, this message speaks through my art as well.”

In addition to Simmons’ art being on display at The Green Inaugural Ball, he will also be painting and bringing that inspiration to every guest at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.

The ball will also feature Recycle Runway artist, Nancy Judd, showing her ‘Campaign for Change Couture’ collection which includes eye-catching art garments created from recycled Obama campaign posters and flyers.

Every facet of the Green Inaugural Ball has been designed to reduce the impact on the environment. GEM electric cars will be used to transport many of the event’s speakers. VIP guests will sip on water produced by an Ecoloblue atmospheric water generator. Food and beverages will be organic and local. Power for a portion of the event will come from a biodiesel generator.

Co-Producer Jenna Mack explains, “The planning team really looked at new technology and ideas to green the event. We were so happy with the electric vehicles that we contracted them for the week to move our staff around the city.”

In addition, a five percent portion of each ticket sold is donated to one of the event’s non-profit partners. Signature event partners are Environment America and One Degree Less.

For travelers and locals alike, the Green Inaugural Ball is the place to be on Saturday night. “Limited tickets are still available. It is sure to be a sold-out event.” explains Campbell.