Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Artists Cancel Shows Over Trump's Name at Kennedy Center
A jazz group called The Cookers and a dance company called Doug Varone and Dancers decided not to perform at the Kennedy Center on New Year's Eve and in April, respectively.
They made this decision because the center was renamed to include President Donald Trump's name.
The jazz group said jazz is about freedom and struggle, and they didn't want to perform under the new name.
Other performers, including a jazz artist and a folk singer, have also canceled their shows at the center for the same reason.
The management of the center, which is now led by Trump-appointed officials, has denounced the cancellations as a political stunt and derangement syndrome.
The management has also cut certain shows and events, and invited more Christian artists, which has upset some artists and audiences.
The Cookers jazz ensemble and Doug Varone and Dancers canceled their performances at the Kennedy Center over the addition of President Donald Trump's name.
The Cookers cited jazz's roots in struggle and freedom as their reason for canceling their New Year's Eve performance.
Other artists, including Chuck Redd, Kristy Lee, and Doug Varone and Dancers, have also canceled shows due to the name change and management changes.
Kennedy Center management, led by Trump-appointed president Richard Grenell, has denounced the cancellations as a political stunt and derangement syndrome.
The new management has cut certain shows and events, such as drag shows and LGBTQ celebrations, and invited more Christian artists, which has upset some artists and audiences.
- Who
- The Cookers jazz ensemble, Doug Varone and Dancers, and other artists
- What
- Canceled performances at the Kennedy Center
- When
- Announced on Monday, performances scheduled for New Year's Eve and April
- Where
- Kennedy Center, Washington
- Why
- Due to the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the center and changes in management and programming
Artists and Critics
Kennedy Center Management
Reason for Cancellation
Artists and Critics
The addition of Trump's name to the center undermines its legacy and values, particularly for artists who believe in freedom of expression and struggle.
Kennedy Center Management
The artists were booked by the previous leadership and are using the name change as an excuse to cancel, showing a form of derangement syndrome.
Impact on the Center
Artists and Critics
The renaming and management changes are alienating artists and audiences, particularly those who value the center's historical significance and inclusive programming.
Kennedy Center Management
The center is seeking to diversify its programming and audience, and the cancellations are a political stunt aimed at undermining these efforts.
- Ensemble Name
- The Cookers
- Event
- New Year's Eve performances
- Venue
- Kennedy Center
- Reason for Cancellation
- Addition of Trump's name to the center
- Board Decision
- Renamed to The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts
- Critics' Concern
- Trump's influence on institutions and liberal bias
- Management Response
- Denounced cancellations as a political stunt and derangement syndrome
- Other Artists Cancelled
- Chuck Redd, Kristy Lee, Doug Varone and Dancers
