Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Musician Cancels Kennedy Center Jazz Jam Over Trump's Name
Chuck Redd is a musician who has been leading the holiday Jazz Jams at the Kennedy Center since 2006.
He recently decided to cancel the concert after he saw President Trump's name added to the Kennedy Center website and then on the building itself.
Redd explained that he chose to cancel the concert because he didn't want to be associated with the event after seeing Trump's name added.
The president of the Kennedy Center, Richard Grenell, criticized Redd's decision, calling it a political stunt and threatening to seek $1 million in damages.
Grenell is a Trump ally and was chosen to head the Kennedy Center by the president.
The renaming has sparked legal concerns as it may violate a law that prohibits memorials to anyone other than President John F. Kennedy.
Chuck Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player, has led the Kennedy Center's holiday Jazz Jams since 2006.
Redd cancelled the concert after seeing President Trump's name added to the Kennedy Center website and building.
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell criticized Redd's decision as a 'political stunt' and threatened to seek $1 million in damages.
Redd expressed sadness over cancelling the popular holiday tradition, which often featured student musicians.
The renaming has sparked legal concerns as it may violate a law that prohibits memorials to anyone other than President John F. Kennedy.
- Who
- Chuck Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player, and Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell
- What
- Cancellation of the Kennedy Center's holiday Jazz Jams concert and potential damages sought
- When
- After the addition of President Trump's name to the Kennedy Center website and building
- Where
- Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
- Why
- Redd cancelled due to personal values and intolerance to the renaming; Grenell criticized the decision as a political stunt and costly to the institution
Chuck Redd's Perspective
Kennedy Center President's Perspective
Reason for Cancellation
Chuck Redd's Perspective
Chuck Redd cancelled the concert due to the addition of President Trump's name to the Kennedy Center website and building, citing personal values and intolerance to the renaming.
Kennedy Center President's Perspective
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell criticized Redd's decision as a 'political stunt' and 'classic intolerance,' stating it was costly to a non-profit arts institution.
Impact of the Cancellation
Chuck Redd's Perspective
Redd expressed sadness over cancelling the popular holiday tradition, which often featured student musicians.
Kennedy Center President's Perspective
Grenell threatened to seek $1 million in damages from Redd for the last-minute withdrawal.
- Artist Name
- Chuck Redd
- Role
- Drummer and vibraphone player
- Event
- Kennedy Center's holiday Jazz Jams
- Year Started
- 2006
- Reason for Cancellation
- President Trump's name added to the Kennedy Center website and building
- Potential Damages
- $1 million
- Kennedy Center President
- Richard Grenell
- Legal Concern
- Renaming violates the law prohibiting memorials to anyone other than JFK
Sources
Who is Chuck Redd, the Artist Facing a $1m Damages Threat from Kennedy Center?
Kennedy Center chief seeks $1m after drummer Chuck Redd cancels Christmas Eve show
Kennedy Center President Grenell Said He Would Seek $1Million In Damages From Musician For His Political Stunt
