Musical Highlights from the White House

Book excerpt: The White House, America's oldest showcase for the performing arts, has offered a uniquely private yet highly public setting for ballads, instrumental music, opera, musical theater, jazz, and dance. In this eminently readable book, the author tells the story of the mansion's richly diverse ceremonial traditions and festive guest performances, as well as the cultural interests of our presidents and their first ladies from George Washington to George Bush. Entertaining and enlightening, Kirk's study provides fresh insights into the presidency, the performing arts, and the gradual emergence of America's unique national character. It is a must for anyone interested in American culture.