News at Eleven (Back Page): "Be loose, have fun," Michelle Obama admonished

guests on Tuesday evening for what was probably the first full-blown poetry jam the White House has ever seen. True, Laura Bush tried to hold a poetry symposium in 2003 but that was cancelled for fear the artists might express their views about Iraq.

According to the Obamas, it is exactly the thrill of diversity that prompted them to host this as well as a series of other arts events in the mansion. Invited to the microphone this time were eight poets and musicians including the actor James Earl Jones, the writers Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman, the jazz bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, the pianist Eric Lewis and the playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda.

from The Independent: 'Be loose, have fun' for first poetry jam at the White House
also The Washington Post: On Faith: Poetry Slam at the White House
also The White House: Press Office: Remarks by the President and the First Lady at Poetry Jam

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