A long-running holiday jazz concert scheduled for Christmas Eve at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was officially canceled this year following a decision by its longtime host to step away from the event. The concert, part of an annual Jazz Jam series that has taken place for more than two decades, was expected to continue a tradition that has drawn audiences to the venue each holiday season. However, the organizer cited personal concerns related to recent changes at the performing arts center as the reason for the cancellation. The Kennedy Center’s website now lists the Christmas Eve performance as canceled, and no replacement event has been announced.
The concert had been led since 2006 by jazz drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, who assumed the role after the late bassist William Keter Betts. In a statement provided to the Associated Press, Redd said he made the decision after learning of a recent rebranding of the venue, which now includes the name of Donald Trump alongside its original dedication. Redd, who has performed at the Kennedy Center for much of his career, expressed disappointment over the change and said he felt compelled to withdraw from hosting the event this year. The musician emphasized that the choice was a personal one tied to his long-standing relationship with the venue.
The name change has generated public discussion and legal debate. The Kennedy Center was established by Congress in the 1960s as a living memorial to John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Legal scholars and former officials have noted that federal law restricts the center’s board of trustees from altering its memorial status or adding additional names without congressional approval. Members of the Kennedy family, including Kerry Kennedy, have publicly criticized the move. Meanwhile, President Trump stated last week that he was surprised by the decision and said he was honored by the addition of his name to the building.
The cancellation of the jazz concert comes amid broader changes at the Kennedy Center following a restructuring of its leadership and board. Several artists, including Issa Rae and Peter Wolf, have also withdrawn planned appearances in recent months. Additionally, a federal lawsuit has been filed by Joyce Beatty, a non-voting board member, who argues that only Congress has the authority to alter the center’s name. Kennedy Center officials maintain that the rebranding aligns with historical precedent and does not alter the original memorial. As discussions continue, the cancellation of the Christmas Eve concert marks a notable pause in a long-standing holiday tradition at one of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions.