Steinway Artist Harry Connick, Jr. Performs At 2010 Governor’s Ball At The White House
Steinway Artist Harry Connick, Jr. and his band performed at the 2010 Governor's Ball hosted by President and Mrs. Obama on Sunday evening, February 21. Due to a packed East Room of the White House, the usual piano that occupies the room (a 1938 Steinway Art Case piano) was replaced with a smaller Steinway Model O Grand piano that was provided by Steinway Piano Gallery, Washington, D.C. for the event.
During the day, Connick, Jr. and his band performed for (and with) a group of Washington-area music students at a preview of the night's event led by Mrs. Obama. Prior to the performance, Mrs. Obama paid tribute to Connick, Jr. for his humanitarian efforts in co-founding the Musicians' Village, part of the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity rebuilding effort following Katrina.
Connick, Jr. signed the plate of the Steinway Model O piano on which he performed, and it can be seen at the Steinway Piano Gallery showroom in Tysons Corner Center. The piano will be on display at the gallery through the end of March, and when sold, a donation will be made by Steinway Piano Gallery — Washington, DC to the Musicians' Village charity in honor of Mr. Connick.
- View video clip of Mrs. Obama and Harry Connick's pre-performance comments and part of performance to Washington-area music students
- View video clip of Harry Connick and his band playing their rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In with the help of one of the music students in attendance
- NBC Washington: DC Elementary Glee Club Sings for First Lady - Students Meet First Lady and Harry Connick, Jr. (includes article and video)
- Learn more about the Musicians' Village charity co-founded by Harry Connick, Jr.
- View photo of Harry Connick, Jr. rehearsing for the event in the East Room of the White House
