Several artists have decided to cancel their upcoming shows at the Kennedy Center after the institution added President Donald Trump’s name to its title. The renowned jazz supergroup, the Cookers, withdrew from a planned New Year’s Eve concert in response to the recent naming controversy.
This latest wave of cancellations follows earlier backlash from artists in the spring when Trump took control of the Kennedy Center and added his name to the building. Notable figures like Issa Rae, the producers of “Hamilton,” Ben Folds, and Renee Fleming had previously cancelled engagements or stepped down from advisory roles in protest.
The new board, led by Trump, made the decision to rename the center as the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The Cookers, a jazz ensemble with nearly two decades of performance history, announced their decision to withdraw from the event on their website, stating their commitment to ensuring a space that celebrates music inclusively.
While the group did not explicitly mention the renaming or the Trump administration, saxophonist Billy Harper openly criticized the decision on social media, stating his opposition to performing at a venue associated with what he called “overt racism.” Other artists, such as folk singer Kristy Lee and the dance company Doug Varone and Dancers, have also cancelled performances due to the naming controversy.
In response to the cancellations, Trump-appointed Kennedy Center head Richard Grenell accused the artists of being unwilling to perform for diverse audiences and highlighted the interest from other performers willing to showcase their art without political bias. Grenell also mentioned possible legal action against artists who cancel their shows, citing musician Chuck Redd as an example.
The Kennedy Center’s decision to rename the building has sparked debate and protests, with scholars pointing out the legal implications of changing the center’s name without congressional approval. The center was originally established as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, with specific restrictions in place regarding alterations to its name and purpose.