Award-winning singer musicist Rhiannon Giddens announced Tuesday that he had cancelled his May performance at Kennedy Center, the latest artist to seek distance from the facility in the wake of President Trump's acquisition.
Earlier this month, Trump announced that he would name the Kennedy Center board chair and replace several board members with allies.
“I can't play conscientiously at Kennedy Center. There is a change in programming direction forced on the agency by this new committee.” Giddens I said in an Instagram post.
A former member of Carolina Chocolate Drop pointed out that the show was “published long before the current administration decided to take over the previous bipartisan institutions.”
Giddens said they arranged for the show to be held at The Anthem, another popular concert venue in Washington, DC
Tickets for the show in the national anthem are currently on sale, and anyone with tickets for a Kennedy Center performance will refund the money.
“Let's make this a great celebration for all of us who need joy and inclusion to feel human. See you! Same day, at the same time, and just down the street,” she wrote.
Giddens is the latest artist to say goodbye to the Kennedy Center following Trump's move.
Actress and writer Issa Ray also canceled the Kennedy Center show, but the center itself unveiled a scheduled performance from the Gay Men's Chorus in Washington, one of the oldest LGBTQ choir organizations in the United States.
Musician Ben Fold said heI'm resigning from ASArts advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, “given development at the Kennedy Center.” Award-winning opera singer and actor Rene Fleming said he will move away from his role as the Kennedy Center's arts advisor.
Famous TV writer and producer Shonda Rhimes also reportedly resigned from the board after serving as treasurer for the Kennedy Center.
