Béla Fleck Cancels Kennedy Center Performance
Béla Fleck, a Grammy-winning banjoist, has canceled his upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center. Scheduled to perform with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) in February, Fleck announced his decision via social media. He stated that performing at the center has become politically charged and expressed his hope to collaborate with the NSO again when the focus can return to the art itself.
Béla Fleck Cancellation Amidst Controversy
This cancellation follows a wave of similar decisions by artists in response to Donald Trump’s controversial takeover of the Kennedy Center. Notably, Stephen Schwartz, an Oscar-winning composer known for musicals like *Wicked*, also withdrew from a planned appearance. Schwartz was set to host the Washington National Opera Gala on May 16 but criticized the center for no longer representing a neutral space for artistic expression.
Background on Recent Cancellations
Many artists have opted to cancel their shows at the Kennedy Center over the past year. The moves initially stemmed from Trump’s efforts in early 2025 to restructure the center’s board and assume a leadership role. Later, the center’s controversial name change to the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts drew further backlash.
Significant Artist Withdrawals
- Béla Fleck: Canceled performance with the NSO set for February.
- Stephen Schwartz: Pulled out of hosting the Washington National Opera Gala on May 16.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Canceled a revival of *Hamilton* originally scheduled for spring 2026.
Fleck’s cancellation coincides with similar decisions from other notable artists, including limitations placed on traditional performances like the annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam. Chuck Redd, who has led the jam since 2006, stated he chose to cancel after the name change announcement.
As the controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center continues, many artists express their unwillingness to participate in performances that align with its new direction. The sentiment echoes a broader concern regarding the impact of political shifts on cultural institutions.
