More musicians have withdrawn from performing at the Kennedy Center after the inclusion of President Donald Trump’s name on the establishment, with the jazz group the Cookers canceling their New Year’s Eve show. This recent series of cancellations comes after a previous backlash from artists earlier this year when Trump took control of the center and appointed himself as the chairman, leading to performers like Issa Rae and the Hamilton producers canceling engagements, and musicians Ben Folds and Renee Fleming resigning from advisory roles.
The decision to add Trump’s name alongside the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts was made by the new board in a recent vote. The Cookers, a long-standing jazz supergroup, made a swift announcement on their website about their withdrawal from the upcoming event, expressing their acknowledgment of potential disappointment from fans.
While the group didn’t explicitly mention the renaming or the Trump administration in their statement, they emphasized their commitment to creating music that unites rather than divides. However, saxophonist Billy Harper openly criticized the renaming, stating his refusal to perform in a venue associated with what he perceives as racism and cultural degradation.
Following the Cookers’ decision, other artists like folk singer Kristy Lee and the dance company Doug Varone and Dancers also canceled their future performances at the Kennedy Center. The center’s current head, Richard Grenell, a Trump supporter, defended the recent cancellations, arguing that the new leadership has received interest from artists willing to perform without making political statements through their art.
Grenell further mentioned potential legal action against artists who have canceled, seeking damages from those he deems to have engaged in political acts rather than artistic expression. The controversy surrounding the renaming of the Kennedy Center raises questions about the center’s historical significance and its ties to President Kennedy’s legacy, with scholars pointing out the legal limitations on altering the building’s name without congressional approval.