Michelle Obama's Country Music Celebration! (PHOTOS)
After bravely trying her hand at NASCAR (with only partial success), Michelle Obama and her husband decided to go full-on country and throw a country music fest in the White House.
We know, we couldn't believe it either.
Unfortunately there were no ten-gallon hats involved, but the First Lady wore some brights to signal her partying mood (perhaps after she was booed in blue?).
For the daytime activities, which included a "History of Country Music: From Barn Dances to Pop Charts" workshop with Kris Kristofferson, Darius Rucker and Lyle Lovett, FLOTUS popped in a bright red and pink three quarter-sleeve dress as she addressed the group of kids.
"We've invited you here because I want to make sure that the White House lives up to the name 'The People's House,'" the first lady told the children, "That's what everybody calls it, what we call it. And I want to be sure that it's not just a place for senators and diplomats and CEOs who have a chance to come here, but it's a place for all Americans, especially young people."
"The People's House" -- that's a new one. But the Obamas proved it by having the kids sit right in the State Dining Room, with the fancy chairs and crystal chandeliers.
Of course for such accommodations, Michelle got a bit more dolled up later that night. For the evening's concert, Mrs. O swept her hair up and picked a pink silk pantsuit, watching the concert from the front row with the president.
Before the event got started, however, President Obama addressed the crowd:
"As Charley Pride, who played here two years ago, once said: 'There is enough room in country music for everybody. And over the past five years, I've had the extraordinary opportunity to travel all across America. I've hopped on planes to big cities. I've ridden buses through small towns. And along the way, I've gained an appreciation for just how much country music means to so many Americans."
But what about him? Well, Obama made it pretty clear:
"Country music can be about love. It can be about heartache. It can sing sad times, or it can yell out that I'm just here having a good time."
Yup, the president could use some music for sad times these days.
It's not the first time the Obamas have taken in a bit of country western at the White House. In 2009 the couple hosted Brad Paisley, Charley Pride and Alison Krauss and Union Station for a night of music and culture.
But Michelle's white sequin Michel Kors frock was, we think, a bit dainty for the night -- we're loving that this time around she chose to go pretty in pink!
Check out pics of Michelle and Barack below... apologies in advance for the lack of jeans and cowboy boots, folks. But there are some pretty cool looking guitars.
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The Huffington Post Ellie Krupnick First Posted: 11/22/11 07:39 AM ET Updated: 11/22/11 09:07 AM ET