First lady to hold concert for kids

(LIN) — Who says inauguration traditions have to be stuffy, boring and ceremonial for young people?

First lady Michelle Obama is putting together a star-studded lineup for the Kids’ Inaugural Concert Saturday, Jan. 19.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Friday that Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Katy Perry, Usher and Stevie Wonder will be performing at this year’s Kids’ Inaugural.

Michelle Obama deemed the first show in 2009 “pretty cool.”

The concert was created as a joint effort between Obama and Jill Biden as part of their platforms to celebrate and support military families. In 2009, thousands of children – mostly children from military families – enjoyed music from Miley Cyrus, Bow Wow and the Jonas Brothers.

Obama told attendees in 2009 that young people need to play a part in their country’s future by volunteering their time helping others. She encouraged children to help out at homeless shelters, visit elderly neighbors and writing letters to troops overseas.

“We all have something incredible to contribute to the life of this nation,” Obama told concert goers in 2009, “And kids, this means you, too!”

If the first lady shares the same message to young people this year,  it will work hand-in-hand with her husband’s plea to have all Americans participate in a National Day of Service on Jan. 19 to honor the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Ladies First is a biweekly feature centered around the first lady of the United States. Jessica O. Swink is a contributing editor to onPolitix . Join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter .