Il Divo, Peter Cincotti to perform at Inaugural Purple Ball

Operatic pop group Il Divo and singer/songwriter/pianist Peter Cincotti will perform at the exclusive and formal Inaugural Purple Ball on January 20 at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC, in celebration of President-Elect Barack Obama's historic inauguration. Tickets are priced at $500; $1,000; $2,000; and $5,000.

A host committee headed by Oscar winner Louis Gossett, Jr. (co-chair) and Asal Masomi (co-chair), includes fellow actors Patricia Arquette, Amy Brenneman, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Brad Silberling and Kate Walsh. A portion of the proceeds from the Inaugural Purple Ball will benefit the Eracism Foundation, founded by Gossett in 2006, to address the negative impacts of racism.

Organizers are inviting veterans and troops from each branch of the military to participate in a drawing in December at its Web site. A winner from each branch will receive two complimentary VIP tickets to the gala.

"Our goal is to truly celebrate this momentous occasion where we as a nation came together and made a historic choice that not only changed the way the world sees the United States, but how we see ourselves," said Gossett in a statement. "Together we can not only fulfill Martin Luther King's dream but we can proudly live up to the promise of our Pledge of Allegiance -- 'One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.'"

Moët et Chandon is the event sponsor.