"(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The Kennedy Center's annual New Year's Eve concert will now be canceled after jazz supergroup the Cookers pulled out in a move that comes as other artists protest the institution's rebranding tied to President Donald Trump. The band confirmed on Monday that they had scrapped two sold-out New Year's Eve performances at the venue, just days after a long-running Christmas Eve concert was also called off."
"The withdrawals are part of a widening boycott that has seen musicians, dancers, and theater producers distance themselves from the venue. The immediate trigger is the decision earlier this month by the Kennedy Center board chaired by Trump himself to rename the institution the The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The move prompted swift backlash from Democratic leaders and members of the Kennedy family alike."
"Jazz was born from struggle and from a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice. It added: To everyone who is disappointed or upset, we understand and share your sadness. We remain committed to playing music that reaches across divisions rather than deepening them."
"One band member, saxophonist Billy Harper, was less restrained. In comments made during an interview posted to Facebook on Saturday, he said: I would never even consider performing in a venue bearing a name (and being controlled by the kind of board) that represents overt racism and deliberate destruction of African-American music and culture."
The Kennedy Center canceled its annual New Year's Eve concert after the Cookers pulled out, joining other artists who protested the center's rebranding to include Donald Trump's name. Performers, including musicians, dancers and theater producers, have withdrawn from scheduled events, citing political objections and concerns about the board's decision. The naming prompted backlash from Democratic leaders and members of the Kennedy family. The Cookers' statement invoked jazz's roots in struggle and freedom and expressed sadness, while saxophonist Billy Harper called the renamed venue representative of overt racism and cultural destruction. Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell dismissed the boycotts as politically motivated.
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