Rahm Sworn In As Chicago Mayor

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

A poncho-wearing Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel blended in with a small, soaking wet crowd Saturday afternoon at Grant Park during a concert to kick off his inauguration.

About 200 people braved a blustery afternoon to hear the band Chicago and lend their support to Emanuel.

The three-hour concert, which also featured other local artists, capped a day of pre-inaugural festivities that included service projects attended by an estimated 3,000 volunteers.

Emanuel watched the show’s early acts with two of his children from folding chairs in front of the Petrillo Music Shell, occasionally shaking hands with well-wishers.

Later, when he took the stage to introduce the band Chicago, Emanuel said: “I don’t think there’s anything more fitting to give us what we need spiritually to . . . begin to take on the challenges facing this city.”

He added, “We have a lot of challenges, with a lot of opportunities to do big things for this great city.”

Emanuel remained on stage with his two daughters as the band played a lively 30-minute set that included such hits as “25 or 6 to 4” and of course, “Saturday in the Park.”