B-52s to perform at White House state dinner for Australian PM

Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, of the B-52s, perform onstage as Woman's Day Celebrates 17th Annual Red Dress Awards on February 04, 2020 in New York City.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Women's Day
Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, of the B-52s, perform onstage as Woman’s Day Celebrates 17th Annual Red Dress Awards on February 04, 2020 in New York City.

The White House will get a dose of “Love Shack” this week, as The B-52s are poised to perform at the state dinner honoring Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The band behind 70s and 80s hits including “Roam” and “Rock Lobster” will serve as the entertainers at the Wednesday soiree, ITK confirmed Monday.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was the first to report the news of the state dinner’s musical act.

The group, which launched its North American farewell tour last year, had performed at an event held at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

Members of the band have been outspoken against anti-drag show and anti-gender-affirming care legislation, writing in a statement posted on social media earlier this year that they “strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community.”

The White House is also welcoming a guest chef for the state dinner.

Katie Button, who co-founded the North Carolina restaurant, Cúrate, will help create the night’s meal in collaboration with Jill Biden.

Button told Delish that she plans to “dive into the best bounty of fall here in the U.S.” with the state dinner menu.

“I really want American food, given that we are hosting here, to lean into intro-ing Aussies to our cuisine,” Button said.

Tags Anthony Albanese

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