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State dinner honoring Kenya showcases country star Brad Paisley and gospel music
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A place setting is seen atop a sequined tablecloth during a media preview, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, ahead of Thursday evening's State Dinner with Kenya's President William Ruto, at the White House in Washington. - photo by AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
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.