UPDATE: The annual Christmas Eve jazz show led by drummer Chuck Redd has been abruptly canceled following a controversial name change at the Kennedy Center. Redd made the decision after the center’s facade was altered to include former President Donald Trump‘s name, a move that has sparked significant backlash.
In his statement, Redd expressed his disappointment:
“When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert.”
This year marks nearly two decades of Redd’s holiday performances, which have become a cherished tradition in Washington, D.C.
The name change was approved by Trump’s appointed board on December 19, 2025, and the building was quickly updated to reflect this decision. However, the legality of the renaming process remains contested. The official Kennedy Center website has confirmed the cancellation of the Christmas Eve concert but did not provide further details.
The Kennedy Center was established as a national cultural center in 1958 through bipartisan legislation signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was named in honor of John F. Kennedy just two months after his assassination in 1963, following a fundraising initiative led by Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
Numerous artists have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center during Trump’s presidency, expressing concerns about its leadership and direction. These artists include opera star Renee Fleming and actor Issa Rae, who have spoken out against the center’s current administration.
For jazz enthusiasts still eager to celebrate the New Year, tickets are available for The Jazz Cookers, who will perform on New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center, offering a glimmer of hope for live music fans despite the recent upheaval.
As this story develops, audiences are advised to stay tuned for updates. The reaction from both the public and the artistic community continues to unfold.
