Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Obama Hosts White House Hoedown

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2009 6:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – The grand East Room of the White House felt more like the Grand Ole Opry last night as the Obamas hosted a celebration of country music, the Tennessean reports. The elites of DC and Nashville packed the room as Charley Pride, Brad Paisley, and Alison Krauss took to the stage for the event, the second in a White House series showcasing American music.

"A lot of people think I’m a city boy, but I do appreciate listening to country music,” the president said in his opening remarks. “It’s about folks telling their life story the best way they know how—stories of love and longing, hope and heartbreak, pride and pain." Rumors had circled that Obama would duck out of the concert early but he stayed until the last twang.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama watch the start of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House last night.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama watch the start of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House last night.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Barack Obama introduces country music stars Alison Krauss and Union Station as part of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House last night.
President Barack Obama introduces country music stars Alison Krauss and Union Station as part of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House last night.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Alison Krauss and Union Station perform as part of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House in Washington last night.
Alison Krauss and Union Station perform as part of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House in Washington last night.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Charley Pride waves from backstage before the start of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House last night.
Charley Pride waves from backstage before the start of the White House music series celebrating country music in the East Room at the White House last night.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Brad Paisley performs for President Obama and the the First Family at the White House last night.   (Sam76321)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
peacenique
Jul 22, 2009 11:54 AM CDT
I'm sorry, but I've just got to tell you: I think Obama 'rocks'! "...showcasing American music" is an incredible show of patriotism that behooves a leader of a country. Growing a White House vegetable garden sets a strong and timely example, not only for American citizens, but for citizens of the world. "How to Lead by Example 101" Yeah, they wrote the book! I know I'm sparking the conservative fascists. (LOL sorry, I had to throw that in! I get so sick of those ridicules liberal comments!) Being on the outside looking in I can only envy the American people their incredibly open-minded, charismatic, determined, decisive, and forward committed President. I wish we Canadians has such a Prime Minister.
Nwambe
Jul 22, 2009 3:53 AM CDT
FINALLY, someone else who wants the same thing. Our country's in a pathetic state, and sometimes we all look southward with more than a touch of envy. Instead, we've got a Prime Minister who you could stand next to a bar of soap and passers-by would comment "Who's that guy next to the PM with so much charisma?"
Fondue
Jul 22, 2009 1:04 AM CDT
It's funny how you compliment us yet still get a thumbs down and without explanation (the coward). To let you know, regardless of polls, many of us feel the same way. Thank you.

More Newser Stories

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

Bruins Goalie Disses Obama ... Over Size of Government

Did White House Hide Lavish Costume Bash?

Obama's New Payroll Tax Pitch: What's $40 to You?

White House Metal Detector Set Off by ... Obama


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne