The Cookers’ last-minute cancellation follows a controversial Dec. 18 decision to change the name of the music, arts and cultural venue to one that includes President Donald Trump’s name.
Trump’s name added to Kennedy Center to reflect name change
Construction workers added President Donald Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center to reflect the center’s name change.
A prominent jazz band has canceled its New Year’s Eve performance at the Trump Kennedy Center due to its renaming.
The Cookers did not give a reason, but the band said the decision on Monday, December 29, “came together very quickly.”
“Jazz was born of struggle and a relentless insistence on freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and the full freedom of the human voice,” the band said on its website. “Some of us have been making this music for decades, and that history still shapes us. We’re not taking our eyes off the audience, and when we return to the bandstand, we want the venue to be the best possible celebration of the music and the presence of everyone there.”
The band went on to say that their hope is that “this moment leaves room for reflection, not outrage.”
“To those of you who are disappointed or upset, we understand your grief and share your grief,” they said. “We remain committed to playing music that reaches across departments, rather than deepening them.”
This last-minute cancellation follows the Kennedy Center Board of Directors’ controversial Dec. 18 decision to change the name of the music, arts, and cultural institution to the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Performing Arts Center.
Jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled his Christmas Eve performance in protest of the name change.
Following Redd’s decision, Trump Kennedy Center Director Richard Grenell sought $1 million in damages for a “political stunt” that “caused us great harm,” according to a Dec. 26 letter to Redd obtained by USA TODAY.
A Kennedy Center spokesperson doubled down on Red’s criticism in a Dec. 29 statement to USA TODAY, saying, “Artists who cancel shows at the Trump Kennedy Center because of political differences have no courage or principle. They are selfish and intolerant.”
“Art is a shared cultural experience that is meant to unite rather than exclude,” the statement continued. “The Trump Kennedy Center is a truly bipartisan institution that welcomes artists and patrons of all backgrounds. Great art transcends politics, and America’s cultural center remains committed to delivering popular programming that inspires and resonates with all audiences.”
In addition to the Reds and Cookers cancellations, the New York Times reported that New York dance company Doug Varone and the Dancers is canceling two performances in April.
Vallone, who heads the company, said in an email to the Times that this meant a loss of $40,000, calling it “economically devastating but morally refreshing.”
Contributor: Kimi Robinson
