This color lithograph depicts musicians ascending the steps at the south end of the Capitol during the inaugural ceremony for President James Garfield on March 4, 1881.
The band had the grandiose name of Haverly's European Mastodon Minstrels. They are assembling on the steps outside the House of Representatives chamber of the Capitol. The actual inauguration ceremony would be taking place at the center of the building, and the stand for the ceremony can be seen in the distance.