This is who’s canceled their Kennedy Middle performances since Trump took over : NPR

[ad_1] <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6409x4273+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F54%2F3ec2045549559eb803025762a546%2Fgettyimages-2255055528.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6409x4273+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6d%2F54%2F3ec2045549559eb803025762a546%2Fgettyimages-2255055528.jpg" class="img" alt="A general view of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 10, 2026. Artists have cancelled performances at Washington's premier performing arts center to protest its renaming to include US President Donald Trump." fetchpriority="high"/> A view of the Kennedy Middle in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 10, 2026. Artists have cancelled performances at Washington D.C.'s premier performing arts middle to protest its renaming to incorporate President Donald Trump. MANDEL NGAN/AFP by way of Getty Pictures cover caption

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MANDEL NGAN/AFP by way of Getty Pictures When President Donald Trump was named chairman of the Kennedy Middle's board nearly a 12 months in the past, in February 2025, backlash from ticket consumers, slated performers, and sure board members — together with Shonda Rhimes — was swift.

One of many first performers to cancel was a touring manufacturing of the musical Hamilton. In a press release on X in March 2025, producer Jeffrey Vendor stated he opposed the Trump administration's ousting of many Democratic board members.

"The latest purge by the Trump Administration of each skilled workers and performing arts occasions at or initially produced by the Kennedy Middle flies within the face of every thing this nationwide middle represents," wrote Vendor.

Actress and author Issa Rae adopted swimsuit with a put up on Instagram, cancelling her sold-out March efficiency.

A slew of further artists and efficiency firms canceled after Trump-appointed members of the Kennedy Middle's board voted to rename the middle "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Middle for the Performing Arts" in December. Congress has not but approved the identify change. For the reason that energy of the venue's board to rename the middle is at the moment in dispute, NPR continues to confer with the Kennedy Middle utilizing its authorized identify.

Kennedy Middle govt director Richard Grenell has responded to many cancellations on social media, condemning the artists. After Banjo participant Béla Fleck canceled his efficiency as a result of he stated the middle had grow to be "political," Grenell wrote on X, "You simply made it political and caved to the woke mob who desires you to carry out for under Lefties."

"This mob pressuring you'll by no means be completely satisfied till you solely play for Democrats. The Trump Kennedy Middle believes all persons are welcome — Democrats and Republicans and other people tired of politics. We would like performers who aren't political — who merely love entertaining everybody no matter who they voted for."

Discover a working record of those cancellations under.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2982x2108+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Fe9%2Fa2dbc55944cbb81914f0b069b2b2%2Fgettyimages-76695883.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2982x2108+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Fe9%2Fa2dbc55944cbb81914f0b069b2b2%2Fgettyimages-76695883.jpg" class="img" alt="Dancers with the Martha Graham Dance Company perform a scene from "Diversions of Angels" during a dress rehearsal at the Joyce Theater in New York on Sept. 12, 2007. Founded in 1926, the Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest dance company in America." loading="lazy"/> Dancers with the Martha Graham Dance Firm carry out a scene from "Diversions of Angels" throughout a gown rehearsal on the Joyce Theater in New York on Sept. 12, 2007. Based in 1926, the Martha Graham Dance Firm is the oldest dance firm in America. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP by way of Getty Pictures cover caption

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TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP by way of Getty Pictures The Martha Graham Dance Firm

The Martha Graham Dance Firm introduced its withdrawal from spring 2026 programming on the Kennedy Middle on Jan. 16.

"The Martha Graham Dance Firm regrets that, for a wide range of causes, we're unable to carry out on the Kennedy Middle in April," the corporate wrote in a press release to NPR. "We hope to carry out on the middle sooner or later."

The Martha Graham Dance Firm — which is the oldest dance firm in the US — was scheduled to cease on the Kennedy Middle for a two-day run in early April as a part of its nationwide centennial tour. Its founder, Martha Graham, was a 1979 Kennedy Middle Honoree acknowledged because the "mom of contemporary dance."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4164x2880+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2Fe9%2F55cb52bd4ff387120233ac2bfa11%2Fgettyimages-455648932.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4164x2880+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2Fe9%2F55cb52bd4ff387120233ac2bfa11%2Fgettyimages-455648932.jpg" class="img" alt="Christine Goerke, in the part of Florencia, sings during a performance of "Florencia in the Amazon," presented by the Washington National Opera, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 17, 2014." loading="lazy"/> Christine Goerke, within the a part of Florencia, sings throughout a efficiency of "Florencia within the Amazon," introduced by the Washington Nationwide Opera, on the John F. Kennedy Middle for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 17, 2014. SAUL LOEB/AFP by way of Getty Pictures cover caption

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SAUL LOEB/AFP by way of Getty Pictures The Washington Nationwide Opera

On Jan. 9, the Washington Nationwide Opera introduced its choice to depart the Kennedy Middle, its dwelling since 1971. Based on an e mail assertion despatched to NPR, the choice got here in response to new insurance policies which the 70-year-old performing arts group stated pressure its monetary mannequin.

The Washington Nationwide Opera harassed the "amicability" of its choice to finish its longtime residency on the Kennedy Middle. Nevertheless it stated the middle's new enterprise mannequin, which requires productions to be fully-funded prematurely, is incompatible with the standard mixture of ticket gross sales, grants and donations that can't all be secured forward.

"Opera firms usually cowl solely 30-60% of prices via ticket gross sales, with the rest from grants and donations that can not be secured years forward when productions should be deliberate," the assertion stated.

On social media, the Kennedy Middle's Grenell stated it was the middle's choice to sever ties with the opera firm — and never the opposite manner round.

"The Trump Kennedy Middle has made the choice to finish the EXCLUSIVE partnership with the Washington Opera in order that we are able to have the pliability and funds to herald operas from all over the world and throughout the U.S." Grenell stated.

Sonia De Los Santos

On Jan. 8, singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos introduced on Instagram that she was canceling her upcoming February live performance on the Kennedy Middle. "As an artist," wrote De Los Santos, "I treasure the liberty to create and share my music, and for a few years I've used this privilege to uplift the tales of immigrants on this nation."

De Los Santos, who was nominated for a Latin Grammy for finest kids's album in 2018, said that "I don't really feel that the present local weather at this beloved venue represents a welcoming house for myself, my band, or our viewers."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3508+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F74%2F33%2F7ce0c8c647168629d9da6c234400%2Fgettyimages-2197298920.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3508+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F74%2F33%2F7ce0c8c647168629d9da6c234400%2Fgettyimages-2197298920.jpg" class="img" alt="Béla Fleck performs onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Peacock Theater on Feb. 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California." loading="lazy"/> Béla Fleck performs onstage in the course of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at Peacock Theater on Feb. 2, 2025 in Los Angeles. Leon Bennett/Getty Pictures for The Recording Academy cover caption

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Leon Bennett/Getty Pictures for The Recording Academy Béla Fleck

Performing on the Kennedy Middle "has grow to be charged and political, at an establishment the place the main target needs to be on the music," wrote American banjo participant Béla Fleck about his scheduled look with the Nationwide Symphony Orchestra in an official assertion posted to Instagram on Jan. 7. "I've withdrawn from my upcoming efficiency with the NSO at The Kennedy Middle," he wrote. "I look ahead to enjoying with the NSO one other time sooner or later after we can collectively share and rejoice artwork."

The 18-time Grammy winner has carried out on the Kennedy Middle up to now.

Stephen Schwartz

The composer and lyricist for the beloved musicals Depraved, Godspell and Pippin was anticipated to host a gala fundraiser for the Washington Nationwide Opera in Might 2026. On Jan. 2, Schwartz introduced his withdrawal. Based on NBC Information, Schwartz mirrored that the Kennedy Middle was "based to be an apolitical dwelling at no cost creative expression for artists of all nationalities and ideologies." Right now, he stated, making an look "has now grow to be an ideological assertion."

Richard Grenell rapidly responded to Schwartz's withdrawal, calling it a "bogus" report in a press release posted on X and saying reporters have been plagiarizing a "pretend @RollingStone story." Schwartz was "by no means signed," Grenell wrote.

Experiences from NBC and different retailers, together with Selection, have refuted this declare, publishing screenshots exhibiting that Schwartz was promoted on the Kennedy Middle's web site previous to his cancellation.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F58%2Feb%2F9fce0678400a8e10c1d7a214fc6f%2Fgettyimages-2219858371.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F58%2Feb%2F9fce0678400a8e10c1d7a214fc6f%2Fgettyimages-2219858371.jpg" class="img" alt="Stephen Schwartz attends the 2025 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Marriott Marquis Times Square on Jun. 12, 2025 in New York City." loading="lazy"/> Stephen Schwartz attends the 2025 Songwriters Corridor Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Marriott Marquis Occasions Sq. on Jun. 12, 2025 in New York Metropolis. Theo Wargo/Getty Pictures for Songwriters Corridor Of Fame cover caption

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Theo Wargo/Getty Pictures for Songwriters Corridor Of Fame The Cookers

The seven-piece band of veteran jazz musicians introduced shortly earlier than Dec. 31 that they'd not carry out a deliberate present referred to as "A Jazz New 12 months's Eve" on the Kennedy Middle.

"We all know this information is disappointing," reads the assertion on their web site. "We aren't turning away from our viewers, and do wish to be sure that after we do return to the bandstand, the room is ready to rejoice the complete presence of the music and everybody in it. Our hope is that this second will go away house for reflection, not resentment."

The assertion went on to say, "We stay dedicated to enjoying music that reaches throughout divisions moderately than deepening them."

Chuck Redd

The American jazz drummer and longtime host of the Kennedy Middle's annual Christmas Jazz Jam selected to cancel his 2025 look when he "noticed the identify change on the Kennedy Middle web site after which hours in a while the constructing," in accordance with a press release despatched to the Related Press.

On Dec. 27, the Kennedy Middle introduced its plan to file a $1 million lawsuit towards Redd. "Any artist canceling their present on the Trump Kennedy Middle over political variations is not brave or principled—they're egocentric, illiberal, and have failed to satisfy the essential obligation of a public artist: to carry out for all folks," stated Kennedy Middle spokesperson Roma Daravi.

In a letter shared with NPR, Grenell condemned Redd: "Regrettably, your motion surrenders to the unhappy bullying techniques employed by sure components on the left, who've sought to intimidate artists into boycotting performances at our nationwide cultural middle."

Doug Varone and Dancers

"The renaming for me has type of pushed me off a cliff," stated choreographer Doug Varone on Dec. 31, when he spoke with NPR's Morning Version. Varone, who was set to showcase members of his Doug Varone and Dancers firm on the Kennedy Middle in April 2026, pulled the efficiency.

John F. Kennedy, for whom the Kennedy Middle was established as a dwelling memorial, "believed within the arts as type of the beating coronary heart of our nation," stated Varone.

"I imagine that the extent of artistry has dropped drastically because the administration change, and the staff that have been liable for the standard of the work on the middle have all been let go."

After canceling, the corporate began a crowdfunding marketing campaign to assist offset its monetary loss. It raised over $42,000, exceeding its $40,000 purpose.

Magpie

In a press release posted to Fb on Jan. 5, Greg Artzner of the American folks duo Magpie introduced the choice to tug their Feb. 28 live performance, set to play on the Kennedy Middle's Millennium Stage.

"There is not actually something defensible" about Trump, stated the assertion from Artzner and Magpie's Terry Leonino. Though that they had deliberate a night of songs with messages of unity and hope, "We're personally and philosophically in settlement with the idea underlying the rising boycott," they stated. "The stand being taken by fellow artists we respect and admire has created an ethical picket line. We stand with them in solidarity."

An replace on Jan. 9 stated that Magpie would now be performing an extended model of that live performance on Feb. 21 at Seekers Church in Washington, D.C., now referred to as, "The Touring John F. Kennedy Middle for the Performing Arts Restoration Roadshow."

Kristy Lee

People singer Kristy Lee canceled her Jan. 14 Kennedy Middle efficiency on account of "latest efforts to impose political branding on the Middle," in accordance with a press release posted on her web site.

"Public arts areas needs to be free from political affect," Lee stated in her assertion. "I step again out of respect for creative freedom and the Kennedy Middle's founding mission, not in opposition to its workers, artists, or viewers."

On Jan. 14, hosted a live-streamed live performance as an alternative, titled "Exhibiting Up: From the Kennedy Middle to the Sofa."

Low Minimize Connie

Philadelphia rock and roll band Low Minimize Connie pulled their live performance, set for February 2025, "Upon studying that this establishment that has run non-partisan for 54 years is now chaired by President Trump himself and his regime," in accordance with a press release posted on their Fb web page.

"Perhaps my profession will endure from this choice," wrote band frontman Adam Weiner, "however my soul would be the higher for it."

Rhiannon Giddens

In Feb. 2025, folks singer Rhiannon Giddens introduced her departure from the Kennedy Middle lineup in a social media assertion. "I can't in good conscience play at The Kennedy with the latest programming modifications compelled on the establishment by this new board," wrote Giddens.

Giddens transferred her Might 11 live performance, "Previous-Time Revue," to The Anthem live performance corridor, additionally in Washington, D.C.

Balún

The Puerto Rican band, primarily based in Brooklyn in New York Metropolis, canceled their Kennedy Middle efficiency, which had been set for Feb. 27, 2025.

Based on a press release posted to Balún's Instagram account, "latest occasions made it clear that the house not aligns with our values. Our security, integrity, and dedication to justice come first."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5052x3408+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2Ffb%2F9895cbc041a5b07dcb5fa7c153c5%2Fgettyimages-1347999906.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5052x3408+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2Ffb%2F9895cbc041a5b07dcb5fa7c153c5%2Fgettyimages-1347999906.jpg" class="img" alt="Issa Rae attends HBO's final season premiere of "Insecure" at Kenneth Hahn Park on Oct. 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California." loading="lazy"/> Issa Rae attends HBO's ultimate season premiere of "Insecure" at Kenneth Hahn Park on Oct. 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Pictures cover caption

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Kevin Winter/Getty Pictures Issa Rae

"Thanks a lot for promoting out the Kennedy Middle for 'An Night With [Me],'" wrote Issa Rae, the acclaimed star and creator of HBO's Insecure, on her Instagram tales web page in February 2025. "Sadly, on account of what I imagine to be an infringement on the values of an establishment that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds via all mediums, I've determined to cancel my look at this venue."

"Hamilton"

In March 2025, Hamilton producer Jeffrey Vendor introduced on X that the Tony-award successful musical phenomenon would not run as scheduled on the Kennedy Middle. Based on the assertion, the choice was made each for political and for enterprise causes. Not solely was there "a brand new spirit of partisanship," the assertion learn partly, however "it will be "financially and personally devastating to the staff of Hamilton if the brand new management of the Kennedy Middle all of the sudden canceled or re-negotiated our engagement. The actions of the brand new Chairman of the Board in latest weeks exhibit that contracts and former agreements merely can't be trusted."

The Kennedy Middle was swift to reply to Hamilton's cancellation. On X in a now-deleted put up, Richard Grenell accused Hamilton star and creator Lin Manuel-Miranda of being "illiberal of people that do not agree with him politically," and said that the choice was "a publicity stunt that may backfire."

For the reason that present's cancellation on the Middle, Hamilton has continued to promote out theaters on Broadway and in venues nationwide who host its North American touring firm.

U.S. Marine Band

The U.S. Marine Band introduced in February 2025 that the Marine Band wouldn't carry out within the Fairness Arc Wind Symphony occasion, a collaboration between Marine Band members and chosen highschool musicians.

The U.S. Marine Band, recognized additionally as "The President's Personal" was based by an Act of Congress in 1798, making it the nation's oldest skilled music group.

Composer Kevin Charoensri, whose music had been scheduled to be carried out by the band on the occasion, said in a Fb put up that Variety, Fairness, and Inclusion (DEI) orders resulted within the cancellation of the Fairness Arc live performance:

"It has come to my consideration that this system, one primarily based on fairness and variety of voices, is not supported on the federal degree beneath this administration," Charoensri wrote. "It was because of this that this system and efficiency have been canceled."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x3004+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F61%2F00cd85854d478ea6ae833072916d%2Fgettyimages-876762124-1.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x3004+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F61%2F00cd85854d478ea6ae833072916d%2Fgettyimages-876762124-1.jpg" class="img" alt="Members of the Marine Band wait for Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan and Acting Minister of National Defense of Afghanistan Lieutenant General Tariq Shah Bahrami to participate in an honor cordon outside the Pentagon on Nov. 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C." loading="lazy"/> Members of the Marine Band await Deputy Secretary of Protection Patrick Shanahan and Appearing Minister of Nationwide Protection of Afghanistan Lieutenant Common Tariq Shah Bahrami to take part in an honor cordon exterior the Pentagon on Nov. 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP by way of Getty Pictures cover caption

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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP by way of Getty Pictures With further reporting by Chloe Veltman, Ayana Archie, Elizabeth Blair, Andrew Limbong, Anastasia Tsioulcas and Kristin Wright. Edited by Jennifer Vanasco.