below, from East Wing...

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2011

Upcoming Guidance on "Country Music: In Performance at the White House"

Event marks the continuation of White House Music Series by Celebrating Country Music with Evening Performances and Daytime Student Workshop

Monday, November 21 * White House - As part of their "In Performance at the White House" series, the President and First Lady will invite music legends and contemporary major artists to the White House for a celebration of country music. The program will include performances by Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Mickey, Darius Rucker and James Taylor. The President's remarks will be pooled press and the entire event will be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov/live starting at 7:00 PM ET. "Country Music: In Performance at the White House" will be broadcast Wednesday, November 23 at 8:00 PM ET on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). The program will also be broadcast at a later date via the American Forces Network to American service men and women and civilians at U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

As she has done with previous White House music events, the First Lady will host a special daytime event for students. The First Lady will welcome 120 students from D.C. area schools to take part in an interactive student workshop event: "The History of Country Music: From Barn Dances to Pop Charts." Beginning at 2:00 PM in the State Dining Room, The GRAMMY Museum's Executive Director Robert Santelli will lead the students in a discussion about the history and cultural significance of country music - from "barn dances" to the Great Depression - and how country music has evolved and crossed over to today's pop charts. Featured performers from the evening event will share their experiences as well as answer student questions about the music and entertainment world. "The History of Country Music" will stream live on www.whitehouse.gov/live. This event will be open press, but space is limited. Members of the media who wish to cover this event must RSVP to firstladypress@who.eop.gov by Friday, November 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET. Press who do not have a White House hard pass must include their social security number, date of birth, country of citizenship, current city/state of residence and gender.

"Country Music: In Performance at the White House" will be the seventh "In Performance at the White House" program hosted by the President and Mrs. Obama. Starting in February 2009, these events have honored the musical genius of Stevie Wonder and Sir Paul McCartney; celebrated Hispanic musical heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month; marked Black History Month with events featuring the music from the Civil Rights Movement and Motown; and spotlighted Broadway and the unique spirit of the American musical.

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