|
|
 |
|
| Just as he did last year, President George W. Bush entered the East Room of the White house with First Lady Laura Bush and made a beeline through the crush of Senators, Congressmen, their guests, and other dignitaries and immediately got onstage to greet Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes as they played the first song of this year's Congressional Ball. Here President Bush reaches over the drum kit to shake the hand of drummer James Cruz. By all accounts, they're President Bush's favorite band. In 1999 and again in 2000, Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes played the Bush family's annual Christmas party at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas. Then, last year, they were invited to come to Washington to play the Congressional Ball for the first time. "It was really exciting, but we didn't know what to expect," said Cruz. "It became obvious about halfway through the first set that the crowd loved us, and it was a great night. Apparently they liked us enough to ask us back. What an honor! And I think this year's party went every bit as well, if not better, than last year's." |
 Hot Tomatoes Sherri Jones, Laura Benedict and Pilar Arias arrive at The White House for the Congressional Ball. |
 President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush dance to the first song of the evening in the East Room of the White House. |
 Rotel and the Hot Tomaotoes pose on the White House stage. Left to right: James Cruz, Thad Scott, Laura Benedict, Jeanie Figg - Deputy Social Secretary for the White House, Pilar Arias, Phil Anstrom, Sherri Jones, Lannie Hilboldt, and Jamie Hilboldt. |
 Backed by drummer James Cruz, keyboardist Jamie Hilboldt and bassist Lannie Hilboldt, Hot Tomatoes Pilar Arias, Laura Benedict and Sherri Jones belt out one of their vintage Motown numbers. |
 The Hot Tomatoes relax after the show in the Red Room of the White House. |
