DETAILS: First Lady Jill Biden to Host Kenya State Dinner Media Preview, Plus Brad Paisley and Howard University Choir to Perform

BACKGROUND: The office of the First Lady of the United State Dr. Jill Biden has planned a State Dinner gala for the first family of Kenya. This is the sixth state dinner of the Biden Administration and comes a month after the state dinner of Japan.  The significance of inviting Pres. William Ruto of Kenya to be their guest at the White House for a State Dinner aside from bolstering U.S.- Nairobi relations, is that it is the first time an African nation has had the honor in 20 years.  The reasons Kenya was chosen include that they are a democracy, have supported the U.S. in counter-terrorism efforts, to further articulate geo-political positioning and perhaps to  show  Pres. Joe Biden's intention to support Africa as a whole in global growth.   President Biden has yet to visit the Continent of Africa, althoguh

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE KENYA STATE DINNER 

On Wednesday, May 22nd at 2:30 PM ET, First Lady Jill Biden will host a media preview in advance of Thursday evening’s State Dinner. In brief remarks Dr. Biden and White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo, will address the theme and inspiration for the element of the decor followed by presentations of the menu by White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison. Sample place settings for the State Dinner will be on display. CSPAN will air the Kenya State Dinner here at 11 PM.

MENU

First Lady Jill Biden worked with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison to develop the menu for the State Dinner. 

 

First Course 

Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup

Sourdough Crisps

Arbequina Olive Oil

  

Main Course  

Fruitwood-smoked Beef Short Ribs

Butter-poached Lobster

Citrus Butter

Baby Kale, Sweet Corn Purée

 

Dessert 

White Chocolate Basket

Banana Ganache

Raspberries, Peaches, Candied Lime Zest

 

Wine 

Hartford Court Chardonnay “Four Hearts Vineyard” 2021

St. Innocent Pinot Noir “Shea Vineyard” 2019

Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2020

 

DÉCOR

First Lady Jill Biden and Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo worked with Bryan Rafanelli and Rafanelli Events to create a design and guest experience that honors the enduring connections between the United States and Kenya. Notable elements of the décor include: 

• Floral Arrangements: Elegant American roses and vibrant fuchsia and purple African orchids will be featured throughout the décor, complementing the unity and friendship between the United States and Kenya.
• South Lawn Pavilion: Through the transparent pavilion on the South Lawn, guests will experience sweeping views of the White House and the Washington Monument as the sun sets over Washington, D.C.
• Illuminating Candlelight: Over 1,000 glowing candles will be displayed along the walls of the pavilion, creating an intimate, cozy ambiance to help ensure guests feel welcomed and at home at the White House. 
• Suspended Centerpiece: 15,000 pieces of layered reflective metallic strips will be suspended above guests to catch the candlelight and shower the pavilion with sparkling gold and silver light.

ENTERTAINMENT

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy musical selections by the Howard Gospel Choir, award-winning country music artist Brad Paisley, and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra and the Army and Air Force Strings.

 

BRAD PAISLEY

Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. For more than 20 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood, for 11 consecutive years. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Paisley has written 21 of his 25 No. 1 hits, and in 2008 became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. The superstar's past works have amassed nearly 5 billion career streams.

 

HOWARD GOSPEL CHOIR

Founded in the late 1960s, the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University is the first collegiate choir of its kind, and has pioneered an international legacy in gospel music ministry. Operating under the historic Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel with an active roster of seventy-plus persons, the choir is one of the largest religious life organizations on campus. Past members of this award-winning ensemble include GRAMMY Award winners Richard Smallwood and Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark of the legendary Clark Sisters. For over five decades, the Howard Gospel Choir has set a very high standard as a premier performing arts ensemble. They have shared the stage with musical luminaries including Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, and Patti LaBelle. The choir has also achieved international acclaim having toured more than twenty-five countries throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The choir is currently under the musical direction of Reginald Golden, a two-time Howard University graduate. Darrell Brown, also an alumnus, is the assistant director.

 

“THE PRESIDENT’S OWN” UNITED STATES MARINE BAND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

For more than two centuries, the United States Marine Band has been part of the events that have shaped the Nation. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional music organization, and made its White House debut on New Year’s Day 1801. Its primary mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In its third century, the Marine Band continues a tradition of excellence that earned it the title, “The President’s Own.”

 

THE UNITED STATES ARMY STRINGS

The United States Army Strings are one of the most requested musical ensembles by our Nation’s military leadership. Since its inception during the Eisenhower administration, the group has provided musical entertainment at the White House for every President. Their mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high-level military and government events at home and abroad, as well as in concert for public audiences from the United States Capitol to Lincoln Center in New York City.

 

THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE STRINGS

The United States Air Force Strings is the official string ensemble of the United States Air Force. Consisting of 20 active-duty Airmen musicians, the ensemble performs selections that range from classical symphonic selections and Broadway show tunes to classic rock, bluegrass, and patriotic favorites. Providing a multi-dimensional experience, instrumentalists surround audiences while performing from memory without the aid of a conductor. The ensemble appears regularly at military and civilian ceremonial functions, education outreach events and concerts throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C.