Kennedy Center Set to Sue Jazz Musician Chuck Redd Following Concert Cancellation
The Kennedy Center is preparing to pursue legal action against jazz musician Chuck Redd, who recently withdrew from his annual Christmas Eve concert. Redd’s decision came shortly after President Trump’s name was added to the exterior of the Washington, D.C., venue.
The Kennedy Center has announced its intention to file a $1 million lawsuit against Redd. The Associated Press initially reported that Redd opted out of the performance following the addition of Trump’s name to the building, a change that has ignited controversy.
Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi criticized Redd’s decision, stating, “Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump Kennedy Center over political differences isn’t courageous or principled—they are selfish, intolerant, and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people.”
Redd, well-known for his performances on drums and vibraphone, has been a staple of the center’s Christmas Jazz Jam for numerous years. Attempts by NPR to reach Redd for comment were unsuccessful.
In a statement to the AP, Redd explained, “When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert.”
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell addressed Redd in a letter shared with NPR, denouncing the cancellation as a political maneuver and accusing Redd of yielding to pressure from left-leaning groups.
In a social media post, Grenell remarked, “The left is boycotting the Arts because Trump is supporting the Arts. But we will not let them cancel shows without consequences. The Arts are for everyone – and the Left is mad about it.”
Numerous artists have severed ties with the Kennedy Center after Trump assumed the role of chairman and restructured the board. This includes the Hamilton production canceling its 2026 show and actor Issa Rae pulling out of an appearance. Folk musician Rhiannon Giddens also relocated her concert to another venue in the city.
The building was renamed “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” following a board vote. This name change has faced criticism from Democratic figures, with Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty filing a lawsuit challenging the renaming and arguing that it requires Congressional approval.
Redd has a longstanding affiliation with The Smithsonian, having served as artist-in-residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café from 2004 to 2008. The Kennedy Center, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, emphasized its commitment to inclusivity in the arts.
Daravi’s statement highlighted the center’s mission: “Art is a shared cultural experience meant to unite, not exclude. The Trump Kennedy Center is a true bipartisan institution that welcomes artists and patrons from 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 plans to proceed with its lawsuit against Redd after the holiday season.
