WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Brett Family, Latter-day Saints who are an entertainment attraction in the resort city of Branson, Mo., performed in the first simulcast of a Presidential Inaugural Ball Jan. 20. The event took place in Branson and was broadcast there and in Washington. Tom Brett, a family spokesman, said parts were broadcast on the TV networks CNN, C-SPAN and Fox and that the entire event was to be broadcast later on PBS.
Two original pieces were presented by the family at the ball. The first was a patriotic poem written by the mother of the family, Andrea Christensen Brett, which she recited for President George W. Bush and his father, former President George H. W. Bush. The second was a performance by the family of the original song "I'll Give America My All," again, written by mother Andrea.
The Bretts hail from Dallas, Texas, but have been performing and living in Branson for more than six years.
Other LDS participation in inaugural festivities included the marching band from American Fork High School, in Utah; many of the band's musicians are Church members.
In addition, the Americanas, a performing group of all-black quarterhorses from Rexburg, Idaho, marched in the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C. The riders, who wore matching outfits with each carrying the American flag, are all members of the Church.