Jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled his annual Christmas Eve concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday in protest of the venue’s recent rebranding.
The center, which has long been known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and receives federal funding through Congress, approved adding former President Donald Trump’s name to its official title on December 18. Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player who has hosted the Christmas Eve performance for years at the venue, canceled the show shortly before audience members were seated. “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert,” Redd stated in a written message.
The decision sparked immediate backlash from Trump supporters online, with many criticizing Redd for politicizing a holiday tradition. One user wrote: “You can cancel your show, but all you’ve accomplished is canceling yourself.” Another urged boycotts of Redd’s future performances, arguing the cancellation deprived families of a holiday celebration.
Redd also received messages of support on social media, including praise for his stance. “Thank you, Mr. Redd. We need more people of principle,” one user wrote.
The center’s board, chaired by the president, claimed the rebrand was approved unanimously, though Democratic members disputed that characterization. Congress approved $250 million this year for renovations to the Washington complex at Trump’s urging, and the president has taken an active role in shaping its direction.
