The evening of 29 January, a state dinner was held in honor of Deng and his delegation at the White House. It marked the first return of former President Richard Nixon to the White House since his resignation speech in August 1974. Originally, President Carter refused to invite Nixon, however Deng had stated that he would visit him at his California residence if he was not invited. During the dinner, Nixon had a private meeting with both Deng and Carter. A string section from the United States Air Force Band began to perform as dessert was being served. Following the dinner, Deng and Carter went to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to witness performances by groups such as the Joffrey Ballet as well as singers such as John Denver and Shirley MacLaine.