Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Cooper Bratton
Date: January 12, 2005 Phone: 919/733-5612
BRANFORD MARSALIS TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AT 2005 INAUGURATION
RALEIGH— Gov. Mike Easley announced today that renowned saxophonist and North Carolina resident Branford Marsalis will perform the national anthem at the 2005 Inauguration. The national anthem will be part of the 11 a.m. swearing-in ceremony that will take place in front of the Archives and History/State Library building on Saturday, January 15, 2005.
“I am pleased that Branford will be on hand to perform the national anthem,” said Easley. “His talent will be a wonderful addition to this historic occasion, and I look forward to personally hearing him play and put that famous Marsalis jazz spin on our national anthem.”
Over the course of his career, Marsalis has won three Grammy Awards in both pop and jazz categories. His most recent album “Eternal,” has been nominated for the 2004 Grammy award in the category of best jazz instrumental album. Marsalis spent two years as the musical director of “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.”
Marsalis is one of four musician brothers from a famous jazz family that includes Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton, trombonist Delfeayo and drummer Jason. Their father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., is a prominent pianist and music professor. Marsalis’ grandfather, Ellis Marsalis Sr., was involved in the civil rights movement through ownership of the famous Marsalis Motel in suburban New Orleans. At a time when African-Americans were not allowed to stay in hotels within the New Orleans city limits, the Marsalis Motel hosted such famous guests as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ray Charles and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
The 11 a.m. swearing-in ceremony will be followed by a parade through downtown Raleigh and the One North Carolina Festival, which will include music and performers on three separate stages located in the Bicentennial Plaza, North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. From the main stage entertainment to the exhibits and activities at the museums, the day is devoted to the families of North Carolina.
All the events are free and open to the public.
For more information about the 2005 Inaugural Ceremonies and Festivities, go to http://www.governor.state.nc.us/2005Inaguration/index.htm or call (919)807-2325.