The highly anticipated annual Christmas Eve Jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been officially canceled. This decision follows the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the iconic Washington, D.C. venue. For over two decades, the Kennedy Center has been a cherished location for the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam, typically held on December 24. However, this year, musician Chuck Redd, who has led the event since 2006, decided to cancel the concert in light of the recent developments regarding the venue's branding.
Chuck Redd expressed his discontent with the changes, stating, “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert.” His sentiments reflect a growing concern among artists regarding the direction of the Kennedy Center under the new branding. The official Kennedy Center website now lists the once-beloved Christmas Eve Jazz Jam concert as “(Canceled),” without providing any further explanation.
The implications of Trump’s self-appointment as the chair of the Kennedy Center have been far-reaching. Since the name change, at least 26 performances have been canceled, with 15 of those cancellations initiated by the artists themselves. Notable cancellations include a show by Issa Rae, who withdrew her February 14 performance, citing “an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums.”
Additionally, the Philadelphia rock and soul band Low Cut Connie, led by Adam Weiner, canceled their scheduled concert for March 19. The duo of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jefferey Seller, who were set to bring the hit musical Hamilton to the Kennedy Center in 2026, also announced their decision to withdraw. They stated, “The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and we’re not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center. We’re just not going to be part of it.”
The cancellations have sparked a wave of protests within the artistic community. A concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington was also canceled in response to the ongoing changes at the venue. Furthermore, in March, the band Guster took a stand against the alterations by featuring the cast of the LGBTQ+ musical Finn on stage during their own concert at the Kennedy Center. This act of solidarity highlights the discontent among artists and performers regarding the new direction of one of America’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
The cancellation of the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam at the Kennedy Center marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about artistic integrity and institutional values. As more artists choose to distance themselves from the venue in light of the recent changes, it raises important questions about the future of the Kennedy Center and its commitment to celebrating diverse artistic expressions.