Categories: Entertainment

President Obama To Host South By South Lawn Music & Arts Festival

We all know President Barack Obama loves music; Jill Scott, Beyonce, Jay-Z, The Roots, and more. So his own music festival doesn’t come as a shock. President Obama made this statement on the festival. In that spirit, South by South Lawn will challenge young leaders to build on our progress toward an America that is more tolerant, fair, and full of opportunities.”

President Barack Obama participates in a discussion and Q&A with Evan Smith, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Tribune, during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Festival at the Long Center for Performing Arts in Austin, Texas, March 11, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

South by South Lawn will take place on October 3rd, at the White House, and “will bring together creators, innovators, and organizers who work day in and day out to improve the lives of their fellow Americans and people around the world.”  The festival will consist of three parts; interactive, film, and music.

  • INTERACTIVE: Panel discussions throughout the day will explore topics like how to make change stick with organizers who are having an impact, as well as a discussion with influencers who are using their platforms to bring about positive change. Interactive booths will encourage attendees to engage with and learn about new technologies and innovations.
  • FILM: The film portion features the 3rd Annual White House Student Film Festival in association with its founding partner, the American Film Institute. Students in grades K-12 submitted more than 700 short films round this year’s theme, The World I Want to Live In.
  • MUSIC: Musical performances will include well-known and emerging artists who are using their music to inspire audiences.

To be able to attend the festival, you have to submit yourself, or be nominated. It is not said how many people will be selected, so everyone has a fair shot. The submission form is here. https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/09/01/announcing-south-south-lawn-white-house-festival-ideas-art-and-action All submission are due by September 10th at 5pm.

William Carter

Recent Posts

Vallery Lomas Talks Food, Culture and Her Journey From Lawyer to Cookbook Author at ESSENCE Festival

Vallery Lomas traded in her career as a lawyer for a life centered around food,…

5 days ago

JustCordell Reflects on Stellar Awards Nomination, ESSENCE Festival Performance & Dream Collaborations

JustCordell is embracing the full-circle moments as the gospel artist and award nominee recently brought…

6 days ago

Loren LoRosa Talks Finding Balance Between Journalism and Talent at #ESSENCEFest

As a journalist and on-air personality on The Breakfast Club, Loren LoRosa brought her signature…

1 week ago

Hope Giselle Almost Didn’t Submit ‘Not Your Average Girl’ to ESSENCE Film Festival—Then It Won Best Documentary

Before Not Your Average Girl won Best Documentary Film at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of…

2 weeks ago

#EssenceFest: Daley Reflects on Personal Loss, Growth and His Long-Awaited Return to Music

For Daley, returning to New Orleans wasn't just another performance; it marked the beginning of…

2 weeks ago

Raheem DeVaughn on Becoming the Voice of WHUR’s The Quiet Storm: ‘I’m Blessed to Be Aligned With the Brand’

For generations across the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, The Quiet Storm has been…

2 weeks ago