Less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced that the Kennedy Center would be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, the list of entertainers canceling shows at the Washington, DC arts venue continues to grow.
Two more cancellations were announced Monday. Jazz group The Cookers canceled a show scheduled for New Year’s Eve, and dance group Doug Varone and Dancers canceled two shows scheduled for April. The New York Times reported about it.
The White House announced Dec. 18 that President Donald Trump’s name will be added to the name of the center, which was created in 1964 as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a memorial to the former president.
A few days later, singer-songwriter Kristy Lee canceled a free show scheduled for January 14, and musician Chuck Redd canceled a Christmas Eve performance. Both cited the name change as the reason. On Friday, the site’s president, Richard Grenell, threatened to sue Redd for $1 million over the cancellation.
On Monday, the Cookers released a note on their website:
“It is with deep regret that we have to share that we are unable to perform as planned on New Year’s Eve. We know this news is disappointing and we sincerely apologize to everyone who planned, traveled and invested their time and resources to be with us.”
“This decision came very quickly and we understand how frustrating last minute changes can be.
“Jazz was born out of a struggle and a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, expression, and the full human voice. Some of us have been making this music for many decades, and this history continues to shape us. We will not turn our backs on our audience and want to make sure that when we return to the stands, the room will be able to celebrate the full presence of the music and everyone in it.”
“We hope this moment leaves room for reflection, not resentment.
“To anyone disappointed or upset, we understand and share your sadness. We remain committed to playing music that cuts across divisions rather than deepening them.”
Billy Hart, the band’s drummer, said the New York Times that the name change “apparently” played a role in the cancellation.
Varone told the Times that the decision to cancel the shows, to celebrate Dance group based in New YorkThe 40th anniversary was “financially devastating but morally exhilarating”.
It’s been a tumultuous year for the arts center. In February, Trump expelled the council members of the center and replaced them with his supporters. Trump was then elected chairman of the board. After it happened, several artists canceled shows in protest, including the great Broadway musical “Hamilton.”
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