Musician and singer Rhiannon Giddens adds her name to the growing list of artists who are opting out of giving a performance at the Kennedy Center.
The award winning eclectic roots artist whose concert was put on the schedule months ago spoke on the decision saying, “I have decided to cancel my show at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025 and move it to The Anthem (another Washington, D.C. venue). The Kennedy Center show was booked long before the current administration decided to take over this previously non-political institution.”
Giddens is the co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, collaborating with Francesco Turrisi, helped to write the Pulitzer Prize winning opera “Omar”, and is a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” grant.
Giddens joins comedian Issa Rae, author Louise Penny, and rock band Low Cut Connie in cancelling performances.
The Kennedy Center has cancelled the children’s musical “Finn”, the Gay Men’s Chorus, and the musical “Eureka Day”; but promises a big Christmas celebration.
Since its founding over 50 years ago, the Kennedy Center has been a non-political venue that includes a concert hall, opera house, theater, lecture hall, and meeting spaces. The Millennium Stage features free performances.
The Kennedy Center is also the home of the annual Kennedy Center Honors who honours artists from across entertainment for their lifetime achievements. The Honors have been attended by many Presidents – who also sponsored events celebrating the recipients – since its inception.