BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
The Indigo Girls and Janelle Monae will represent Atlanta at the Women's March on Washington on Saturday.
"I am honored to join this critical movement to bring justice and equality to all," Monae said in a statement. "Music has always been a powerful tool for galvanizing unity and I believe that singing and standing together, our voices will be stronger than any force that tries to repress us."
The diverse array of artists who will either perform or support the event at an "artist table" include Maxwell, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Katy Perry, Cher, Amy Schumer, Scarlett Johansson and Angelique Kidjo. The event at the U.S. capital will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Said Maxwell in a statement, "We are here because women are every bit as capable if not more able to pursue any goal they set forth for themselves. Were it not for the limitless depths of their love we would not be the men that we are."
Other artists, such as Questlove, Neko Case, Grimes and Rakim have pledged to participate in one of the 200 planned "sister marches" nationwide, including Atlanta .
As for the presidential inauguration, R&B singer Chrisette Michele has announced her participation , which was immediately met by backlash from her fans, including Spike Lee.
Michele posted an explanation of sorts on social media and said she hopes for a "peaceful & progressive conversation." But Lee was one of the first to criticize her decision and posted on Instagram that he wanted to use Michele's "Black Girl Magic" in his upcoming Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It,” but has changed his mind.
She joins a lineup of debatable star wattage – rockers 3 Doors Down, country singer Toby Keith, The Piano Guys, Lee Greenwood and Larry Stewart among the acts – who will perform at various events throughout the weekend.
Classical-pop singer Jackie Evancho will sing the national anthem at the swearing-in ceremony on Friday.
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