Texas colonizes D.C. for an evening

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Participants at Washington's "Black Tie & Boots Ball" got a heavy dose of Texas crooning, couture and cuisine, not to mention President Bush and his family.

Some 12,000 guests Wednesday night packed the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel to hear Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Asleep at the Wheel, classical pianist Van Cliburn of Fort Worth, gospel singer Yolanda Adams and country singer Gary P. Nunn.

Men wore cowboy boots, Stetsons and bolo ties and women exchanged pants suits for taffeta dresses and skirts as they feasted on mounds of barbecued ribs, rib-eye steak, various Tex-Mex dishes plus all things pecan.

President Bush then appeared with first lady Laura Bush and daughters Jenna and Barbara.

"It's nice to be home," he said. "Or as close to home as you can get in Washington."