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OBAMA'S LATIN MUSIC CONCERT AIRS TONIGHT: Sheila E., Estefan, Longoria, Los Lobos and more had the White House en fuego.(October 15, 2009)
*Tuesday's night big "Fiesta Latina" at the White House, a South Lawn concert featuring Gloria Estefan, George Lopez and Eva Longoria Parker among the guests, will air tonight on PBS from 8 to 9 p.m., and Saturday on Telemundo.
The event celebrating Hispanic musical heritage kicked off with brief remarks from the president, who said Latin music – while hard to define because it comes in so many forms (from salsa to merengue and Bachata to reggaeton) – speaks to everyone in a language they can all understand. "It moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves," said Obama. "In the end, what makes Latin music great is the same thing that's always made America great. The unique ability to celebrate our differences while creating something new." Also in attendance were Jose Feliciano, Jennifer Lopez and Los Lobos. Here's how the AP described the evening: A large, white tent erected on the lawn was the setting for the musical performances. A see-through panel behind the stage afforded the nearly 400 guests, who sat at cocktail tables, views of the White House South Portico bathed in light. Hosts Jimmy Smits, Eva Longoria Parker and Lopez joked that Obama is really Latino. "He just doesn't know it," said Parker. Added Lopez, as the audience laughed: "Lives in a house that's not his. ... Says he's gonna change and nobody believes him. Very Latino." Obama proved what he said about the power of Latin music. He wiggled his hips and took a few turns on the dance floor with singer Thalia after she said: "Mr. President. With all due respect, will you dance with me?" He complied as she approached the table where he sat with Mrs. Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia. Mrs. Obama moved in her seat, snapping her fingers to the music. By the end of the concert, the First Family was on its feet, clapping to the beat. The family then went on stage to thank the performers. Mrs. Obama and Malia held hands and danced, while the Obama did the same with Sasha. Malia, then Sasha, also paired off with Sheila E. on the drums. Other notables at the concert included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic member of the high court. She posed for photos with everyone who sought them. Also present were Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and members of Congress. "In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina" is the third in a music series launched by first lady Michelle Obama to celebrate various genres of music. Jazz and country music events, with workshop for music students, have been held. Classical music is on tap for Nov. 4. President Obama dances with Thalia Grand Finale / President Obama's closing remarks / Sheila E. drumming with Malia and Sasha
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