Banjo player Béla Fleck cancels Kennedy Center performances, accusing venue of becoming “charged and political” following Trump administration changes.
Grammy-winning banjo player Béla Fleck has canceled three upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center, accusing the venue of becoming “charged and political” following recent changes under the Trump administration.
Fleck, who has won more than a dozen Grammy Awards, announced the withdrawal on social media.
In a post on X, he wrote, “I have withdrawn from my upcoming performance with the NSO at The Kennedy Center. Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music.”
“I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art”, he added.
In December, the White House announced that President Donald Trump’s name would be added to the performing arts institution following a vote by its board. The decision has prompted several performers to cancel appearances, including Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Broadway musicals such as “Wicked” and “Godspell.
