Jack White, formerly of The White Stripes, performed the hit single "Seven Nation Army," live at the Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington DC. 

Jack White Kicks Off Summer With Surprise Concert

According to reports, the singer-songwriter appeared at the venue without prior announcements to play in a pop-up concert that lasted for 45 minutes. While most live performances happen at night, this one took place in the middle of the day in time for the high schoolers' lunch break. 

In a video published by Consequence of Sound, White was seen with a guitar standing at the school grounds and surrounded by students who were singing along to the 2003 hit. 

The Washington Top News reported that the concert was kept a secret to everyone, including faculty and staff. Only Principal Kimberly Martin knew about the Wednesday, May 30 surprise.

The concert kicked off the summer break for kids of Woodrow Wilson High School. 

Apparently, it was White's people who were first to contact the campus a few days ago for the surprise concert. 

"They knew we have this big atrium space, and they thought that that might be an appropriate place for him to set up and do a pop-up show," said Principal Martin. 

The show was kept in secret until the singer arrived and performed in the pavilion. Crew members arrived at the venue and set up equipment around 10:30 a.m. while the students were still in class. There was no sound check needed; by 11:45 a.m. the show was ready to begin. 

Why the high school was specifically chosen, the school head had no idea. 

"He said, 'Thank you Woodrow Wilson High School,' put his guitar down and walked out the door," recounted Principal Martin. "It's one of those things where you are very grateful to be in Washington, D.C. What principal can tell that kind of story? That's a Washington, D.C., story."

 

Jack White On Tour

White was actually in town for his back-to-back shows at The Anthem in Washington DC. The singer is also currently in the middle of a North American tour to promote his new album, Boarding House Reach

He will next appear at the Governors Ball in New York on Friday, June 1. Other performers at the music festival include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Post Malone, James Blake, Shawn Mendes, 6lack, Wolf Alice, and more. 

White is also set to perform in venues in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Henrietta, Lewiston, Pasadena, and Toronto in the next couple of weeks. Tickets are now available via his website. 

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