Eli Yamin Quintet on stage in the East Room, the White House. L-R- Eli Yamin, Amy Shook, Todd Williams, Evan Christopher, LaFrae Sci

I’m still pinching myself but it’s true, we played at the White House with my quintet three times over the holidays in the East Room.  When I was there for the Jazz Studio in June, I left a couple copies of my CD, You Can’t Buy Swing, for them to check out.  Sure enough, in November, I got an email, “We’ve listened to your CD and really enjoyed it…”  It was the first time multiple performers were invited to perform over the holidays and we were honored to play at three separate events including the party for the Press Corps.  We played music from “You Can’t Buy Swing,”  lots of blues and a heap of Duke Ellington.  It was amazing how well the music fit right in!

You Can\’t Buy Swing

Chicago Tribune:

The White House: Sushi and jazz

Newsweek:

Obama brings change to the White House (Christmas Party)

Eli Yamin and Evan Christopher perform Sophisticated Lady, by Duke Ellington, at the White House

Big thanks to Evan Christopher for coming all the way up from New Orleans.  It was a thrill to hear that deep clarinet soul and soaring joy Evan always delivers, resonating through the historic rooms of the White House.

Amy Shook, Eli Yamin, Todd Williams, LaFrae Sci, Ravi Best

Thanks a million to all the musicians who played with us:  Mary Ann McSweeny, Todd Williams, LaFrae Sci, Ravi Best and Amy Shook.  Your artistry, devotion and teamwork is beyond category!

Eli Yamin in "Al Green Room," the White House

May the music continue to resonate from concert halls to the halls of government, from every school to every street corner.  May the music uplift, inspire and educate people from all generations, and all backgrounds.  May we feel encouraged and supported to give our best to this great effort and see the fruits of our labors in the smiles, dances, and surges of imagination in the people we serve.

The East Wing of the White House, December 2009