The company holiday bash may be canceled, but MTV's plans for an inauguration party are in full swing. Last Tuesday, the network announced that the "Be the Change Inaugural Ball" is set for January 20 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington.
In a nod to the 24 million people between 18 and 29 who cast votes in the 2008 presidential election, MTV enlisted ServiceNation, an organization that promotes volunteering programs, to partner in the affair. Both hosts anticipate upwards of 1,200 attendees.
MTV director of communications Janice Gatti, suggested that top artists are expected to perform, and the event will draw a bevy of celebrities, political officials, and "young guests, who we're looking to reward for their great volunteerism efforts." It is not yet certain whether Barack and Michelle Obama will make an appearance at the ball as Bill and Hillary Clinton did at MTV's inauguration event in 1993.
In an article on the network's Web site, MTV general manager Stephen Friedman elaborated on the company's motivations: "Over the last year and culminating in this election, we have seen a groundswell of engagement and a refreshed spirit of activism from young people. We want to celebrate young people across the nation who are answering the call and working to make changes in their communities and beyond."
Elsewhere in music, Creative Coalition confirmed rumors yesterday that Elvis Costello signed on to headline its inaugural ball.
