White House hosts country music performers

From left, country singers and songwriters Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett and Darius Rucker perform songs during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC. Part of a program called "The History of Country Music: From Barn Dances to Pop Charts," the artists answered questions and performed music for about 120 students from Anacostia and Woodrow Wilson high schools and Newport Middle School.

The Grammy Museum's Executive Director Robert Santelli leads students in a discussion about the history and cultural significance of country music during a program with country stars Lyle Lovett, left, and Darius Rucker in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singers and songwriters Kris Kristofferson, left, and Lyle Lovett share a laugh during a music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

First lady Michelle Obama, right. introduces country musicians, from left, ris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett and Darius Rucker during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

From left, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett and Darius Rucker perform songs during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

First lady Michelle Obama, second from right, introduces country music singers and songwriters, from left, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett and Darius Rucker during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

First lady Michelle Obama delivers opening ramarks during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Darius Rucker participates in a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson answers questions during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Lyle Lovett performs during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Lyle Lovett, right, performs a song as Kris Kristofferson listens during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson performs during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Darius Rucker participates in a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Lyle Lovett answers questions during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Country music singer and songwriter Lyle Lovett (R) performs a song as legendary artist Kris Kristofferson listens during a student music program in the State Dining Room of the White House Nov. 21, 2011, in Washington, DC.