Here’s what to know about the North Texas connections to performers at inaugural events for Donald Trump.
DALLAS — A well-known disco group with a frontman from North Texas and a DFW Indian American group are among those performing at inauguration events for President-elect Donald Trump.
Some of the well-known names set to perform during inauguration events include Carrie Underwood, who will perform “America The Beautiful,” and Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, The Village People, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg, who performed at the pre-inaugural “Crypto Ball” Friday.
Here’s the full list of inauguration event performers.
Among these, though, are some performers with deep ties to Dallas-Fort Worth. Here’s what to know about the North Texas connections of performers at inaugural events.
Village People frontman and founding member Victor Willis was born in Dallas. The group said on their social media pages that they’ll also perform at the Liberty Ball Monday night.
The disco group, best known for the hit song “Y.M.C.A,” which became widely known as a gay anthem and was recently used in Trump’s rallies, as was their song “Macho Man,” caused a stir when they announced their participation in inauguration activities for President-elect Trump.
“Our performances are not an endorsement of the President Elect’s policies no matter what you say to the contrary. Having said that, we do support that we have a new president now and we should all wish him well until he gives us a reason not to,” a statement from Willis on The Village People’s social media page read. “We believe music should be shared across the political spectrum and not preserved for one political side.”
Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak
The North Texas Indian American group Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak was invited to perform at the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade on Monday.
The group said their invitation marked the first time an Indian American performing art was included in a presidential inaugural event.
“This historic gesture reflects the U.S.’s commitment to unity in diversity and appreciation for global traditions, marking the first-ever inclusion of an Indian performing art at such an event,” the group said in a statement on social media.
The ensemble has also performed at local sporting events, including Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars games.