DC's Millennium Celebration
The nation's capital may rival New York's Times Square for the most spectacular celebration to ring in the new millennium.
Despite widespread fears of a possible terror offensive, officials are saying that they won't follow Seattle's example and let the party fizzle.
The White House is bringing in the new millennium with a spectacular gala event featuring diamonds and flame pyrotechnics, a new film by Steven Spielberg, and a concert of great American music.
Hosted by Will Smith and produced by Quincy Jones and George Stevens Jr., America's Millennium will be broadcast on CBS-TV, Friday evening.
The White House also sponsored events beginning Friday morning including:
- The opening ceremony featuring the U.S. Marine Band and the New Millennium Choir, and
- The unveiling of the National Millennium Time Capsule. Celebrated creators and leaders were invited to suggest the ideas and artifacts that were included in the time capsule, to show future generations how we lived and what we valued most in our time. The actual time capsule and contents will be exhibited at the National Archives and Records Administration.
Quincy Jones spoke with CBS Early Show anchor Bryant Gumbel about the making of the evening spectacular.
Jones, who has composed 33 film scores, won 26 Grammy Awards, produced albums for Michael Jackson, produced The Color Purple, and staged the concert for President Clinton's 1992 Inaugural, among many other achievements, says this show is special.
"There were some big projects, but this is serious," he says.
The family-oriented celebration will take place on the Washington Mall Friday night. Entertainers include, Stomp, Jessye Norman, Bono, Jack Nicholson, Muhammad Ali and Luther Vandross.
Spielberg's 18-minute film, Unfinished Journey, features the highlights of the 20th Century.
"He's been with the family who has been nurturing this for a year and a half," says Jones, speaking about Spielberg.
More than 100,000 people are expected to watch the live entertainment. Jones said he's not worried about terrorism; he's concerned about the elaborate logistics of the show, and he hopes they go as planned.
Jones and Stevens consulted with Hillary Rodham Clinton about America's Millennium, "sharing a vision of honoring the past and imagining the future. We have had many, many meetings. Sharing our thoughts and ideas. It has been a...long, beautiful journey."
Jones added his own wish for the new millennium.
"That we walk into the future and leave all the garbage behind. We have to learn to cherish and respect all people."
Even the State Department's top terrorism official will be there.
"I am going there to enjoy myself," counterterrorism coordinator Mchael A. Sheehan said Tuesday in an interview. "There are no guarantees in life."
The level of suspicious activity has risen only slightly since the State Department issued worldwide warnings earlier this month, Sheehan said, though he said the alert stands.
"I intend to be there. If I see something suspicious, I'll report it to the first cop," Sheehan said.
©1999 CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report