Country star Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir will be performing at a state dinner at the White House in honor of Kenya President William Ruto and his wife. The choice of these artists is a nod to the guests’ love of country and gospel music, showcasing the friendship between the United States and Kenya. The state visit is a diplomatic tool employed by the White House to highlight the strong alliance between two countries, intertwining American and Kenyan cultures. President Biden welcomed Kenyan and American business leaders as part of the official state visit, emphasizing the importance of their partnership.
This state visit marks the first time an American president has hosted an African leader for a state visit since 2008. President Biden, who plans to visit the African continent in 2022, is focusing on building relationships with key African leaders as a counter to Russia and China’s influence on the continent. The entertainment for the state dinner, featuring Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir, is aimed at celebrating the 60th anniversary of the US-Kenya partnership with an elegant outdoor dinner under the stars at the White House.
Grammy-winning Paisley previously performed for a bipartisan governors’ dinner at the White House and joined Jill Biden for a visit to a pop-up vaccination site in Nashville in 2021. Paisley’s previous performance for the Obama administration in 2009 was a memorable moment for him, singing a powerful song in front of President Obama. The first lady revealed that the state dinner will be held in a transparent pavilion on the White House grounds, decorated with over 1,000 candles and featuring a three-course meal prepared by White House executive chef Cris Comerford.
The dinner menu will consist of chilled heirloom tomato soup for the first course and a duo of butter-poached lobster and smoked beef short ribs for the main course. The use of kale from the White House garden in the meal reflects a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Event planner Bryan Rafanelli assisted the White House in planning for the state dinner, ensuring a memorable and elegant evening for all guests. Despite the possibility of rain, the event promises to be a beautiful celebration of the enduring partnership between the US and Kenya.
The state dinner will celebrate the cultural ties between the United States and Kenya, featuring performances by Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir as a tribute to the guests’ love of country and gospel music. The outdoor setting and elegant decor of the pavilion will create a magical atmosphere under the stars, highlighting the beauty of the White House grounds. The carefully curated menu, designed by White House chef Cris Comerford, will showcase the best of American and Kenyan cuisine, using fresh ingredients including kale from the White House garden. Overall, the state dinner promises to be a memorable event that honors the longstanding friendship between the US and Kenya.
