Array of Stars Expected at Inaugural

Friday, January 12th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) â€” George W. Bush's inaugural celebration promises plenty of glitz, with stars of music, movies, television and sports. The lineup at the opening ceremonies, inaugural balls and other events includes Latin pop sensation Ricky Martin and ``Frasier'' actor Kelsey Grammer.

The opening ceremonies, at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18 in front of the Lincoln Memorial, will feature Martin, famous for his dance moves and fast-paced songs like ``Livin' La Vida Loca,'' as well as boxer Muhammad Ali and young Welsh soprano Charlotte Church.

``It is not a political event. It is hopefully going to be an inspirational moment that will bring the country together and make a positive statement about our country and our future,'' said Hollywood producer George Schlatter, the event's director.

``In my opinion, at this moment in history we are looking for something positive. We are looking for heroes. We're looking for role models. ... That is what I hope to do with this.''

Schlatter noted that a video collage of the White House will be shown, to Church's accompaniment. ``It's about what the White House means, not to one party or another, but what it means to the people who actually own it, which is us,'' he said.

Other stars who will appear during the 90-minute program are soul singer Van Morrison, famous for such tunes as ``Tupelo Honey''; female R&B quartet Destiny's Child; and Latin singer Jon Secada, who won a Grammy for his 1992 album, ``Just Another Day.''

Invited but not yet confirmed are track star Marion Jones, who won three gold medals and two bronzes last year at the Sydney Olympic Games, and cyclist Lance Armstrong, back-to-back winner of the Tour de France.

Bush's home state of Texas appears to have influence in the programs; there will be a slew of country music stars. They include Clint Black; Brooks & Dunn; and the duo Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw.

Bush and his vice president-elect, Dick Cheney, are scheduled to attend the opening, which will include a new song by Tony Award-winning British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and a gala fireworks display. Schlatter said fireworks will soar from six different locations.

Thousands of people who can't get close to the stage will be able to see the stars on giant viewing screens spread across the National Mall, the grassy expanse between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The major television networks are expected to air at least part of the show.

Other celebrities set to appear at events over the course of the four-day inaugural celebration are entertainer Nell Carter; comedian Norm MacDonald; and singers Larry Gatlin, Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Tanya Tucker and Lee Greenwood, famous for his patriotic song, ``God Bless the USA.''

Stars also will be masters of ceremony at three exclusive candlelight dinners for Bush on Jan. 18, meant as fund-raisers for the inaugural. Johnny Bench, Hall of Fame catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, will host a black tie affair at Union Station.

Sportscaster Dick Enberg will emcee at the National Building Museum, and entertainers Wayne Newton and Bo Derek will host the dinner at the Washington Hilton. Tickets to the dinners cost $2,500 per person or $25,000 per table.

Bush's wife, Laura, will appear Jan. 19 with a number of stars from literary circles when she hosts a celebration of America's authors. The event at Constitution Hall will salute 18 writers from many genres, among them Stephen Ambrose, whose ``Nothing Like It In the World'' is currently on best seller lists; author Mary Higgins Clark, whose best sellers include ``Before I Say Goodbye'' and ``We'll Meet Again''; and children's author Christopher Paul Curtis, who wrote the award-winning ``Bud, Not Buddy.''

``This celebration highlights our future first lady's love of reading and interest in literacy,'' said Jeanne Johnson Phillips, executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. ``We are pleased to have an event honoring the men and women whose words have inspired so many Americans.''

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On the Net: Presidential Inaugural Committee: http://www.inauguration-2001.org/