barack_obama_swearing_in.jpgMIAMI — Some of the best seats in the house for President Barack Obama’s inauguration were not at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, but rather at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, which continued its tradition of hosting a free community celebration and live television simulcast commemorating the Presidential Inauguration.

On Monday, Jan. 21, an estimated 1,200 South Floridians flocked to the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.,  to watch the president’s second-term inauguration.

The event featured live musical performances by local vocalist Bianca Sirgany-Castro, New World School of the Arts Concert Choir and Miami Carol City High School’s Marching Band; a presentation of the colors by the Homestead Senior High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard; guest appearances by local elected officials and a live simulcast of the president’s address and inauguration parade.

Also among the many spotted were Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez; playwright and Miami native Tarell McCraney; Elliott Rodriguez, CBS4 News Anchor; Bernie Navarro, president of the Latin Builders Association, who attended the festivities to watch his cousin Richard Blanco in D.C., as he recited the Inaugural Poem; and Matt Haggman, program director of The Knight Foundation.

As part of the National Day of Service honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, attendees donated supplies to support the Chapman Partnership’s Homeless Assistance Center in downtown Miami.