Kennedy Center Cancels Annual Christmas Eve Jazz Concert After Trump Name Addition

The Kennedy Center's long-standing Christmas Eve Jazz Jam was canceled this year following the addition of Donald Trump’s name to the venue, prompting musician Chuck Redd to withdraw the event he has led since 2006.

The Kennedy Center's annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam, a beloved tradition in Washington, D.C. for over two decades, was canceled this year after the venue added former President Donald Trump's name to its façade. The decision prompted Chuck Redd, the musician who has led the event since 2006, to cancel the concert slated for December 24.

"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 told the Associated Press. The addition of Trump's name to the center, previously known for its longstanding cultural contributions, has sparked controversy and led to multiple cancellations.

The Kennedy Center website, now branded as the "Trump Kennedy Center," listed the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam concert with a "(Canceled)" notice but offered no explanation. The event's description continued to promote an evening filled with holiday cheer, underscoring the abrupt nature of the cancellation.

The Christmas Eve Jazz Jam has been a staple at the Kennedy Center for more than 20 years, with Chuck Redd at the helm since 2006. The annual event typically draws jazz enthusiasts eager to celebrate the holiday season through music. Redd's decision to cancel this year's concert is part of a growing trend of artists and performers withdrawing from the venue following the name change.

Since Donald Trump appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center earlier this year, the institution has faced significant backlash. At least 26 performances have been canceled, with 15 of those cancellations initiated by the scheduled performers. Among those who have withdrawn are notable artists such as Issa Rae and the Philadelphia-based rock and soul band Low Cut Connie.

Issa Rae canceled her February 14 show, explaining her decision as a response to what she described as "an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums." Similarly, Low Cut Connie canceled their March 19 concert, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among performers regarding the venue's new branding and leadership.

The addition of Trump's name to the Kennedy Center has also raised legal questions, with some critics calling the decision possibly illegal, though no formal investigations or rulings have been publicly announced. The controversy highlights the complex intersection of politics, culture, and the arts in one of the nation's most prominent performing arts centers.

The Kennedy Center, established as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, has traditionally been a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural inclusivity. The recent changes have sparked debates about the role of political influence in cultural institutions and the impact on artistic programming.

As the holiday season approaches, the cancellation of the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam marks a significant moment in the Kennedy Center’s history. Longtime attendees and jazz aficionados will have to wait until next year to reunite for the festive event, pending any further developments related to the venue's branding and leadership.

For now, the decision by Chuck Redd and other artists to cancel performances underscores the tensions surrounding the Kennedy Center and its new direction under Trump's chairmanship.