On October 13, 2009, the White House hosted “Fiesta Latina” music night on the South Lawn. This was the third event in a musical event series launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, and celebrated Latin musical heritage. In his remarks at the event, President Barack Obama said of the genre: “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.”
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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive on the South Lawn for the Fiesta Latina music night.
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Actor Jimmy Smits — who played the president of the United States on The West Wing — attended the event.
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Mexican pop singer Thalia.
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Three-time Grammy Award-winning rock band Los Lobos.
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Performers Pete Escovedo and Sheila E.
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Performers Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.
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Actress Eva Longoria Parker.
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President Obama said that Latin music “moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves.”
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Comedian George Lopez and actress Eva Longoria Parker hosted Fiesta Latina. They suggested that President Obama is really Latino, just doesn’t know it. Added Lopez: The President “lives in a house that’s not his…says he’s gonna change and nobody believes him — very Latino.”
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Gloria Estefan and Jose Feliciano perform at the event.
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Sheila E. also takes the stage with Estefan.
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Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) was among audience members on the South Lawn of the White House.
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Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX) speaks to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar before the performances begin.
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Malia and Sasha Obama whisper in the audience during the performance.
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First Lady Michelle Obama.
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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
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Sasha Obama.
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