Obama Foundation Unveils 12 Performers for Presidential Center Opening as Ceremony Streams June 18
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 16
Obama Foundation Unveils 12 Performers for Presidential Center Opening as Ceremony Streams June 18
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 16
Summary
Twelve performers — including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, The Roots and Christina Aguilera — were announced for Thursday's grand opening ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center.
11 a.m. CT is the ceremony start time, while livestream coverage begins at 9 a.m. on CBSChicago.com, the Obama Foundation's YouTube channel and its social media accounts.
Bono and The Edge of U2, Tems, Common, Eddie Vedder, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony and Marsai Martin are also slated to appear.
Thousands of invited guests will attend the invite-only event, which comes a day before the center's public opening on Juneteenth in Chicago.
With an $850M price tag and a tiny endowment, could this new landmark become a future taxpayer burden?
As the first all-digital presidential library opens, is crucial history becoming less accessible for future research?
The Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening 2026: Economic Impact, Community Challenges, and Long-Term Vision for Chicago’s South Side
Overview
The Obama Presidential Center will celebrate its grand opening from June 19 to 21, 2026, with a weekend full of festivities. This event marks a pivotal moment for the South Side of Chicago, bringing together the community through a diverse array of activities. Visitors can enjoy performances by artists commissioned by the Center, storytime and hands-on activities at the Chicago Public Library branch, Double Dutch performances and crochet jump rope-making in the Home Court area, and interactive experiences in the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden. The celebration aims to engage people of all ages and highlight the Center’s commitment to community involvement.