Chicago music history was made on January 20th, 2005, when the Ken Arlen Orchestra traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in the President George W. Bush’s second inauguration. The band was asked to come to the capital and entertain 2,000 enthusiastic military personnel and their significant others at the first ever “Commander-in-Chief’s Ball”, held at the National Building Museum.

It was, to say the least, an exciting experience and a rare opportunity. KAO was the featured dance band. We accompanied Patty LaBelle as she sang the national anthem, and performed an original arrangement of “God Bless America” especially for the troops. Over the course of the evening, former President George Bush Sr. and his wife Barbara, Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynn, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and the President and First Lady all stopped by to address the troops. The band was fortunate enough to hang out backstage with both Miss U.S.A. Shandi Finnessey and legendary Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda.

While being asked to participate in this event was an honor on many levels, nothing makes our organization prouder than having had the opportunity to perform for the men and women in uniform who risk their lives every day in service to our country. It was evident by the smiles on their faces and the groove in their step that they really enjoyed our music – the troops packed the dance floor all night long – and we were just as excited as they were.

Please follow the link to view a gallery of highlight pictures from the evening’s events. Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Ken Arlen

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