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Up Next On The Inaugural Agenda: A Virtual 'Parade Across America'

Members of the Howard University Marching Band walk the abbreviated parade route following the inauguration of President Biden on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.
Stephanie Keith
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Members of the Howard University Marching Band walk the abbreviated parade route following the inauguration of President Biden on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.

The traditional inaugural parade was not an option this year, given security fears and the pandemic.

So instead, the Biden Inaugural Committee is throwing a "Parade Across America" — a virtual celebration involving dancers, drumlines, singers and athletes from across the country.

It might sound like a stretch. But the Democratic Party had a surprise hit on their hands when they convened a remote roll call during the Democratic National Convention, which turned out to be more popular than you might have guessed.

Howard University and the University of Delaware, the alma maters of President Biden and Vice President Harris, did send drumlines that are physically in Washington, D.C., and will perform live. Otherwise, the parade will be remote.

The Parade Across America will be hosted by Tony Goldwyn, and the names in the lineup include Jon Stewart, the reunited New Radicals (of "You Get What You Give" fame), Earth Wind & Fire and, as the Biden Inaugural Committee puts it, "everyday Americans."

It will also feature figure skaters, Olympians, at least one skateboarder, representatives of every branch of the military, a wheelchair basketball program, a doctor who's big on TikTok, an 80-year-old performer from Idaho and a 12-year-old trumpeter from Georgia, marching bands, flag twirlers, a clogging group, boy scouts and a Dance Across America led by Kenny Ortega.

You can view the full line-up here.

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Camila Flamiano Domonoske covers cars, energy and the future of mobility for NPR's Business Desk.