Performing for Patrick

Published Dec 29 2006, 04:40 PM by David S. Bernstein

Mitt Romney's inaugural party four years ago (from what I read) featured the Boston Pops, led by Keith Lockhardt, playing Olympics music and other patriotic standards, in addition to safe, white-bread dance music. The Celtic Clan played, as did an African drum troupe, so there was a little multi-culti thrown in.

Deval Patrick's inaugural next Thursday will be, shall we say, a little more groovy.

The five feature performers announced today are all "of color," as they say: Patti Austin, Eguie Castrillo with his Mambo Kings Orchestra, Yo Yo Ma, Herb Reed and the Platters, and Walter Beasley.

The press release includes an additional list of names and organizations that will appear at the various inaugural events next week; check the web site for details.