Hillsboro, OR, January 5, 2001 — Susan Hauser, a freelance writer in Portland, has been appointed by the Wall Street Journal to travel with Ring of Fire to the Inauguration of President-elect George W. Bush. Susan will be writing a feature story for the Journal covering Ring of Fire and the incredible opportunity this group of 12 to 16 year-olds are about to undertake. Susan has been a regular contributor to the Journal for the past 15 years and has been published in other national publications including The New York Times and People Magazine. Susan met the group by covering their performance of the National Anthem at Wednesday night’s Blazer game against the Indiana Pacers. She will follow the group’s adventures in D.C. from the moment they land on Thursday, January 18 through the performances at the Inaugural Parade and the Inaugural Ball in the Ronald Reagan Building on January 20. Susan can be reached in Portland at 503-244-6314 or though email at shauser5@home.com.
About the Inaugural Appearance
Ring of Fire has been selected as the only group from the state of Oregon to perform at the Inauguration of President-elect George W. Bush on January 20, 2001. The group will perform several times during the parade, including a performance for President-elect Bush as he passes with his motorcade. They will also be performing for an hour before and after the Inaugural Parade. They will be performing from the front of the Ronald Reagan Building, just across from the press box located on the parade route. In addition, they will be performers at the Inaugural Ball in the Ronald Reagan Building. Ring of Fire was selected from over 10,000 performers to perform at one of the eight Inaugural Balls. The Presidential Inaugural Ball Committee is still finalizing which states will be assigned to this ball.
Since their invitation by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, they have experienced a blur of interviews, news coverage, and radio spots. The media attention has really energized the kids about their first trip to the East Coast and this historic opportunity.
About Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire is based in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its volcanic activity. In the groups few years in existence, they have earned a reputation for outstanding excellence in handbells. They are widely known for their ability to memorize their music and their unique, spirited style. They continue to meet their goal of bringing their fiery music to many diverse audiences, including schools and churches, corporate functions, charity events, NBA basketball games, and on national and international television. Their performance is an explosive combination of an energetic director, exuberant youth, and the brilliance of 61 bells begging to be rung!