State dinner honoring Kenya showcases country star Brad Paisley and gospel music
President Joe Biden is expecting up to 500 guests for the largest state dinner of his administration on Thursday night
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is throwing one of its biggest-ever state dinners for Kenyan President William Ruto and leaning in to the African leader's tastes by showcasing two uniquely American types of music: gospel and country.
The dinner Thursday night in a pavilion erected on the South Lawn is featuring performances by country star Brad Paisley and the gospel choir of Howard University in Washington. The menu includes fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs, poached lobster, chilled heirloom tomato soup and a white chocolate basket.
It's the first White House state dinner for an African nation since 2008, and President Joe Biden is expecting up to 500 guests. It's the sixth and largest of the state dinners his administration has hosted.
The festivities are part of the administration's efforts to build ties with Africa.
