Night of poetry in the White House next Wednesday

 President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, will celebrate American poetry and prose with a gathering of poets, musicians and artists in the White House next Wednesday evening.

Professional Elizabeth Alexander, Billy Collins, Common, Rita Dove, Kenneth Goldsmith, Alison Knowles, Aimee Mann and Jill Scott will read, sing and highlight the influence of poetry on American culture.

The White House, said that the first lady will also hold a workshop in the afternoon for students across the country so that they can learn from some of the artists of the night.

In 2009, Ms. Obama has inaugurated a series of White House music which celebrated jazz, country, classical, Motown music and Latin. It also organized salutes Broadway, music of the movement of rights civil and Judith Jamison, a dancer Alvin Ailey and artistic director.