Jazz artist Chuck Redd cancels over Kennedy Center name change : NPR

The Kennedy Center says it plans to file a $1 million lawsuit against jazz artist Chuck Redd after the musician canceled his annual Christmas Eve performance. The Associated Press first reported that Redd pulled out of the show days after Added President Trump's name to the exterior of a performing arts center in Washington, D.C.

In an email to NPR on Saturday, Kennedy Center spokesman Roma Daravi said Redd's decision is a disservice to the arts.

“Any artist who cancels their performance at the Trump Kennedy Center because of political differences is not courageous or principled—they are selfish, intolerant, and have failed in the fundamental duty of a public entertainer: to perform for all people,” she said.

Redd, an international performer on drums and vibraphone, hosted the Christmas Jazz Jam at the center for many years. NPR's messages to Redd were not returned Saturday morning.

“When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then, a few hours later, on the building, I decided to cancel our concert,” he said. told AP.

Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell sent a scathing letter to Redd on Friday, criticizing him and calling the cancellation a political stunt. The center shared the letter with NPR.

“Unfortunately, your actions lend themselves to the unfortunate intimidation tactics used by some elements on the left who are attempting to intimidate artists into boycotting performances at our national cultural center,” it reads.

In a message to X On Friday, Grenell wrote: “The left is boycotting the arts because Trump supports the arts. But we won't let them cancel the show without consequences. Art is for everyone, and the left is furious about it.”

Since then, several artists have pulled out of performances and severed ties with the Kennedy Center. Trump replaced the board of directors and was elected chairman. In March Hamilton canceled its launch in 2026 will take place at the Kennedy Center. Actor and producer Issa Rae also canceled her appearance. Folk musician Rhiannon Giddens moved her concert to another location in the city.

Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center building last week after the Board of Regents voted to rename it. The famous sign on the outside now reads: “Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

The name change sparked opposition from Democratic lawmakers. Ohio Representative Joyce Beattyex-officio Kennedy Center board member, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Monday. Beatty argues that changing the name of the memorial honoring President John F. Kennedy requires an act of Congress. She asks the court to invalidate the board of directors' decision.

According to the Kennedy Center online biographyRedd has been involved with the Smithsonian for more than two decades, serving as a resident at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe from 2004 to 2008. The Kennedy Center is part of the Smithsonian Institution.

“Art is a shared cultural experience meant to unite, not exclude,” Daravi said in a statement. “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 presenting popular programming that inspires and resonates with all audiences.”

The Kennedy Center says it will file a lawsuit against Redd after the holidays.