Obamas Hosts James Earl Jones at Tuesday Night Poetry Jam
Lynn Sweet
Correspondent
Posted:
05/12/09
WASHINGTON-It's a jam, not a slam. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host another themed party night at the White House Tuesday night, this one featuring a poetry jam, music and more. A headliner is velvet voiced actor James Earl Jones. The jam is not to be confused with a poetry slam.
White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers tells me in an e-mail reply to my question. "Slam is a competition. There will be no competition." The East Room will be the venue for a celebration of poetry, music and the spoken word. Featured performers include: actor James Earl Jones: author Michael Chabon his wife, essayist Ayelet Waldman; vocalist Esperanza Spalding; pianist Eric Lewis; actor, writer Lin Manuel Miranda and slam poet Mayda Del Valle. Also on the bill: Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio- HBO's Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Finalist, Joshua Brandon Bennett- HBO's Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Finalist. All to be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov.
White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers tells me in an e-mail reply to my question. "Slam is a competition. There will be no competition." The East Room will be the venue for a celebration of poetry, music and the spoken word. Featured performers include: actor James Earl Jones: author Michael Chabon his wife, essayist Ayelet Waldman; vocalist Esperanza Spalding; pianist Eric Lewis; actor, writer Lin Manuel Miranda and slam poet Mayda Del Valle. Also on the bill: Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio- HBO's Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Finalist, Joshua Brandon Bennett- HBO's Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Finalist. All to be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov.