"Jazz was born from struggle and from a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice. Some of us have been making this music for many decades, and that history still shapes us. Our hope is that this moment will leave space for reflection, not resentment."
"When American history starts getting treated like something you can ban, erase, rename, or rebrand for somebody else's ego, I can't stand on that stage and sleep right at night."
"This decision is not directed at the Center's dedicated staff, artists, or patrons, whose work and commitment to the arts remain deeply respected. Rather, it is a statement in defense of the Center's founding purpose and the ethical responsibility shared by artists who grace its stage."
More musicians have canceled upcoming Kennedy Center concerts following the board vote to rename the venue to include President Donald Trump's name. Canceled performances so far included shows promoted for Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Jan. 14. The Cookers declined to perform and issued a statement linking jazz to struggle and freedom. Kristy Lee canceled a Jan. 14 show, saying canceling hurts but losing integrity would cost more than any paycheck, and citing concerns about institutional integrity and political capture of publicly funded spaces. Lee plans a live show from her home instead.
Read at NBC News
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