Several artists have decided to cancel their planned performances at the Kennedy Center following the announcement that President Donald Trump’s name would be added to a venue in Washington.
The Cookers, a jazz septet, were set to play at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater on New Year’s Eve but revealed Monday that they would not go through with those performances. In their statement, they expressed that “Jazz was born out of struggle and a relentless insistence on freedom – freedom of thought, expression and full human voice.” They added that after years in the industry, they wanted their return to resonate with inclusivity and celebration of music and audiences alike.
Drummer Billy Hart mentioned in an interview that the decision was “obviously” influenced by the addition of Trump’s name to the center.
Similarly, the New York dance company Doug Varone and Dancers also announced they would withdraw from their scheduled performance at the Kennedy Center in April.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the cancellations. Meanwhile, Kennedy Center Director Richard Grenell suggested that the cancellations were a reaction to leadership from the past, which he described as “far-left.”
Grenell commented on social media, stating that the acts being canceled were booked under previous leadership more focused on political activism than on providing art for all audiences. He described the boycotting of art as a form of “derangement syndrome,” asserting that art should be inclusive regardless of political affiliation.
These cancellations came just a few days after the board of directors voted unanimously on December 18 to rename the arts center to the Trump Kennedy Center. This included updating external signage and the website header.
Others in the music scene, including noteworthy jazz musician Chuck Redd, have also pulled their acts. Redd noted that he decided to cancel after seeing the name changes on the center’s website and later inside the building.
Earlier this year, Trump removed the Kennedy Center’s previous leadership and has taken on the role of chairman. The current board includes prominent figures such as second daughter Usha Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
