After eight long years in the Oval Office, President Obama intends to make as much noise as possible on the way out the door.
The White House announced this week that it will be hosting a one-day music festival roughly a month before the next president of the United States is elected. Apparently Obama’s visit to Austin this year left quite an impression because he intends to “celebrate the spirit of innovation” on Oct. 3 at an event dubbed “South by South Lawn.”
Like the actual South by Southwest, the daylong “festival” will reportedly include three parts: interactive, film, and music. Those lucky enough to receive an invite will attend panel discussions throughout the day exploring “topics like how 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.”
The film portion of the event will reportedly include submissions from students grades K-12 based around the theme “The World I Want to Live In.”
Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy
As for the music, well, Obama will likely have his pick from just about any American artist—after all, who would turn down an invite from the Leader of the Free World? Right now, the White House will only say the musicians will be “well-known and emerging artists who are using their music to inspire audiences.”
The White House said in a statement that the festival will be “a call to arms for every American to roll up their sleeves and make a positive mark on our country—and a celebration of the great work so many of us have already accomplished.”
It might be tricky to get an invite, but not at all impossible. If you’re interested in attending, or would like to nominate someone else more deserving, the White House is taking suggestions on its website. Hopefully there will be taco trucks.
