The Stranger

After going to the Paramount 4 years ago with a standing room only crowd - I figured I'd get to Town Hall early enough to get a good seat. The Town Hall site said "doors open at 7:30 am". I got to the parking lot at 7 am and saw no line - as I walked up to the door and still saw no line. Thinking - they must have opened early - but nope - doors were locked and there were a total of 5 people at the door including me. They opened the doors at 7:30 - and the crowd never showed up. I met some interesting folks, we sat in the Cafe and watched the broadcast on a big screen. We saw quite a few people head into the great hall - but not anywhere near capacity. The group in the Cafe was mostly subdued with a few moments of cheers and applause but not the vigor or emotion of 4 years ago. Town Hall is such a great place to have these events - and it was good to participate - although a bit disappointing that the crowds weren't here. I think people had to decide on whether to go to the Inauguration OR the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. marches.