WASHINGTON: The White House decided to cancel the B-52s’ performance at Wednesday’s state dinner for Australia’s prime minister due to the prevailing climate of sorrow and pain, as expressed by first lady Jill Biden.
Without explicitly mentioning the Israel-Hamas war’s devastation, the first lady disclosed on Tuesday that they had made adjustments to the entertainment segment. Instead of the band known for hits like “Love Shack,” the dinner will feature instrumental music provided by the Marine band and the Army and Air Force Strolling Strings.
She emphasized the importance of nurturing partnerships and relationships with allies, particularly in these challenging times, while also highlighting the comforting and healing qualities of food. The dinner is intended to offer some comfort and reassurance during these tumultuous times.
The B-52s members, originally scheduled for an event, will now attend a dinner in honor of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is accompanied by Jodie Haydon. First Lady has enlisted the culinary expertise of Katie Button, the chef and co-founder of the acclaimed Curate restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina, to collaborate with the White House kitchen staff in crafting the evening’s delectable offerings, including farro and roasted beet salad, butternut squash soup, and sarsaparilla-braised short ribs. The dessert will feature a sumptuous hazelnut and chocolate mousse cake paired with creme fraiche ice cream.
President Joe Biden extended an invitation to Albanese for a state visit, a distinction reserved for the United States’ closest allies. This followed the President’s abrupt return to the White House during a prior trip to the Indo-Pacific for critical budget negotiations with Congress, which necessitated the cancellation of his Australian visit in May.
Albanese marks the fourth world leader to receive the honor of a state visit from President Biden, following counterparts from France, South Korea, and India.
This visit, culminating in a White House state dinner, serves as a noteworthy consolation for Albanese, as he meets with President Biden during a time of heightened international tensions in the Middle East and domestic upheaval on Capitol Hill, where the House remains without a speaker three weeks after an unprecedented ouster.
Over 300 lawmakers, influential business figures, and celebrities have received invitations to the event, although the White House intends to keep the guest list confidential until shortly before the black-tie gala commences. The dinner, featuring toasts and other program elements, will unfold within a temporary pavilion erected on the White House lawn, adorned in shades of green, pink, blue, and orange, evoking the current season in Australia—spring—according to White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo.
The First Lady, in collaboration with Bryan Rafanelli and his design and production firm, Rafanelli Events, has overseen the decor, reminiscent of the aesthetic used for her granddaughter Naomi Biden’s wedding on the South Lawn last November.
The White House emphasizes that postponing the event was not a viable option, positioning Albanese’s visit as an integral aspect of the intricate diplomatic balance maintained by the President with U.S. allies worldwide.
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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stressed the timeliness and importance of Biden and Albanese’s impending meetings, characterizing them as “incredibly important.” John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, acknowledged the intricate challenge of the presidency in balancing domestic and foreign priorities.
Prior to the formal events, President Biden and the First Lady hosted a private dinner for Albanese and Haydon at the White House on Tuesday evening. As official gifts, the Bidens presented their guests with an antique writing desk for Albanese and a custom turntable for President Biden, while Jill Biden gifted Haydon a petite necklace featuring green enamel and diamonds.
