Anthony David and more show up for presidential inauguration
WASHINGTON -- Anthony David discreetly weaved his way through the well-dressed crowd packed into the second floor of a small D.C. bar.
When he reached the back of the bar and grabbed his black guitar there was no question that the headliner had taken the stage.
The Grammy-nominated R&B artist performed a short set Friday night at one the dozens of concerts taking place throughout the nation’s capital as part of the inauguration weekend.
“This is dedicated to President Obama,” David said, midway through performing his 2011 single “4Evermore.” He went on to alter a few lines to commemorate Obama’s reelection.
“Forever is mightily long and I really want a second term too,” he sang.
“I voted, you voted and we did what we had to do.”
David sang half a dozen songs from his 2012 album “Love Out Loud” in front of a crowd crammed tightly into Tabaq Bistro, a swanky Mediterranean bar on U Street.
The concert kicked off a slate of events hosted by the Young and Powerful Group, which raised thousands of dollars for the Obama campaign.
“This night is about our president, Barack Obama,” said Mya, the Grammy-winning artist who emceed the event. “Four more years!” she said over cheers from the crowd.
David was preceded by a series of local artists. The energetic rap duo M.A.R.S. was first up, followed by singer/keyboardist V. Rich - whose personal ballads of heartbreak and love earned Mya’s praise.
Joi “J.C.” Carter, lead singer of D.C. hip hop/go-go band Mambo Sauce, got the crowd going with a cover of Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield.” Next, Chicago performer Vo Era grabbed a guitar and delivered an upbeat act.
Attendees pushed forward as David took the mic and sang along through each of the songs he performed. He strummed his guitar while standing ground level, surrounded by the colorful painting that lines the bar’s walls.
And the crowd joined in to provide the chorus during David’s spirited cover of Bill Wither’s “Lovely Day.”
When he announced he had time for just one more song, audience members shouted out requests.
He settled on the soft “Let Me In” to close out the show.
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