The Kennedy Center, once a symbol of artistic excellence in Washington, DC, is facing significant backlash following its controversial name change. Recently, a Christmas concert was canceled in protest, and now two performances scheduled for New Year’s Eve have also been called off. This shift in programming is reportedly a response to the center's board's decision to rebrand as the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The ongoing controversy has raised questions about the future of the venue and its relationship with artists.
The New York Times has reported that the jazz supergroup The Cookers has canceled their scheduled performances on New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center. In a statement, the group emphasized the essence of jazz, stating, “Jazz was born from struggle and from a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice.” This sentiment reflects the broader concerns among artists regarding the implications of the name change.
In an interview with The Times, drummer Billy Hart revealed that the decision to withdraw from the Kennedy Center gigs was influenced by the venue's name change. He expressed concerns about potential reprisals for their stance. Additionally, saxophonist Billy Harper took to Facebook to voice his opposition, stating he could “never even consider performing in a venue bearing a name that represents overt racism and deliberate destruction of African American music and culture.” Harper's comments underscore the deep-rooted issues at play and the collective feelings of betrayal among artists.
The Cookers are not the only artists to distance themselves from the Kennedy Center. Doug Varone and Dancers announced they would no longer perform at the venue in April, and folk singer Kristy Lee has also canceled her mid-January show. These cancellations mark a significant trend of artists severing ties with the Kennedy Center, particularly following Chuck Redd’s decision to cancel his annual Christmas concert in protest of the name change. Redd’s actions prompted a strong response from the Kennedy Center’s president, Rick Grenell, who stated he would seek $1 million in damages, labeling Redd’s actions a “political stunt.”
Since the name change and the subsequent takeover by Trump’s administration, numerous artists have chosen to withdraw their support from the Kennedy Center. Notable figures like Rhiannon Giddens, Ben Folds, and Renée Fleming have all severed ties, further highlighting the growing divide between the center and the artistic community. Additionally, a touring production of Hamilton has also canceled its engagement at the Kennedy Center, indicating a broader trend of discontent within the performing arts sector.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how the Kennedy Center will navigate the repercussions of its name change and the resulting cancellations. The ongoing protests from artists suggest a significant shift in the cultural landscape, challenging the future of this once-prestigious venue.