Strong Musical Lineup for the Big Speech

August 28, 11:59 AMDenver Democratic National Convention ExaminerMike Wolf

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Stevie Wonder is set to perform prior to Al Gore's speech tonight
at Inveso at Mile High (photo courtesy forgottenjournal.com)

Barack Obama will give the biggest speech of his life tonight at Invesco Field at Mile High.  And he won't be alone.  The grand finale of the Democratic National Convention boasts a star-studded musical lineup, headlined by Stevie Wonder and Sheryl Crow.  Bruce Springsteen is not scheduled to appear.

Colorado's own Yonder Mountain String Band will open the festivities at 3pm, giving all the out-of-town folks a true taste of Colorado. 

As reported here earlier this week, Oscar-winning Dream Girl Jennifer Hudson will sing the National Anthem.

Hip hop artist will.i.am, member of the Black Eyed Peas is slated for the 5pm slot.  John Legend will join him on the piano.

Sheryl Crow, who played Red Rocks before the opening day of the DNC is also scheduled to perform sometime between 5pm and 6pm.  Stevie Wonder will hit the stage around 6, warming up the crowd for former Vice President Al Gore's Invesco speech.

Here's where things get strange.  Michael McDonald is on the bill for the 7pm - 8pm, which would put him as the warmup act for the true rock star of the evening, Barack Obama.

Wait a second, Michael McDonald?  The Atlantic Monthly reported that Bruce Springsteen will not perform tonight.  His post-9/11 anthem "The Rising" has been a staple at Obama campaign events throughout the summer.  I simply cannot believe that Barack Obama, no stranger to suprise guests himself, has not searched for someone other than Michael McDonald to warm up the crowd.  We'll see.  The Boss can be riveting in a solo setting.

In addition to the many musical guests, Colorado politicians will have a crack at the big stage.  Governor Bill Ritter, Ken Salazar, Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter and Mark Udall are all set to address the Mile High masses.

And remember, a five mile stretch of I-25 will close around 5:30 and reopen sometime after Obama's address.  Spike Lee, seen hanging out on the floor of the Pepsi Center last night, declared that Obama will "raise his game in the most important moments.  Like Michael Jordan."

I expect a slam-dunk of an acceptance speech.