Obama aides plan pair of Inaugural Balls

President Obama's aides are planning two Inaugural Balls, the smallest number since Dwight Eisenhower's swearing-in of 1953 -- though this year's events will no doubt be bigger and busier.

About 35,000 guests are expected to attend the official Inaugural Ball on the night of Jan. 21.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee is also planning the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, an event to honor the military; its 4,000 guests include active-duty and reserve troops, Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors.

Both events will take place in the cavernous Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The inaugural committee also announced a special Kids Inaugural on Jan. 19.

Among the musical guests throughout the weekend: Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Far East Movement, fun., members of the cast of Glee, John Legend, Katy Perry, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon, Smokey Robinson, Soul Children of Chicago and Stevie Wonder.

Inaugural officials have not announced who will perform at what event.

"We are honored and excited to have such a diverse, talented group of musical guests joining Americans from across the country to celebrate the 57th Inauguration," said Steve Kerrigan, president and CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

President Obama will be officially sworn in for a second term at noon on Jan. 20 in a private ceremony at the White House. Because that is a Sunday, a day on which government offices are closed, the public swearing-in ceremony, parade, and other celebrations will be the next day, Jan. 21.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced earlier this week that Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor will perform at the Jan. 21 ceremony to be held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.