Jazz Ensemble Cancels New Year’s Eve Shows at Trump Kennedy Center

In light of the name change at the Trump Kennedy Center, a prominent jazz group, The Cookers, has opted to cancel two performances scheduled for New Year’s Eve. They shared that this decision “came together very quickly,” but didn’t elaborate further.

On their website, The Cookers emphasized the essence of jazz, stating, “Jazz was born out of struggle and a relentless insistence on freedom—freedom of thought, expression, and the full human voice.” They expressed their longstanding connection to the music, indicating they’re committed to returning to the stage only when the venue can fully honor the spirit of the performance and its audience.

The Kennedy Center had promoted The Cookers’ performances as “an all-star jazz septet that brings fire and soul to the Terrace Theater stage.” However, the center has not commented publicly regarding the show cancellations.

The decision to rename the Kennedy Center was made recently, reflecting a unanimous vote by the board to honor both Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy, thereby renaming it the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Performing Arts Center.” This move acknowledges Trump’s efforts to rescue the center from severe financial difficulties, according to the center’s Vice President of Public Affairs.

Since this announcement, several artists have withdrawn their performances in protest. For example, Trump Kennedy Center Director Rick Grenell indicated plans to sue a jazz musician who retracted their performance due to feelings associated with “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The musician charged with organizing the Christmas Eve concert, Chuck Redd, cited the name change as his motivation for canceling.

Grenell has been proactive in addressing the institution’s shortcomings but has also responded to what he views as politically motivated cancellations. In a letter to Redd, he expressed disappointment over the financial impact of these last-minute decisions, indicating that the organization is seeking $1 million in damages for what he deems a political act that jeopardizes the arts’ mission. He conveyed a belief that the Kennedy Center should serve all artists rather than becoming a sanctuary for a select political group.