Bono's gonna be there, just have him say the prayer.

You probably recall the uproar from the gay rights community over Barack Obama's inviting Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. In a transparent move, Obama has now also invited Gene Robinson to give the invocation at his January 18 inaugural celebration concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Robinson, who promises "not to be especially Christian in my prayer", will kick off one of the most impressive entertainment events in recent memory. From the Inauguration Committee's press release:

Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Rob Mathes will be the music director and arranger for the backing band, which will support all of the artists. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.