NEW YORK (AP) — Rhiannon Giddens, an acclaimed singer and musician, has joined the ranks of artists refusing to perform at Washington D.C.’s prestigious Kennedy Center. The center has been embroiled in controversy following its leadership shakeup by former President Donald Trump, who now serves as chair of the board of trustees. This has been seen as part of Trump’s efforts to combat what he refers to as “woke” culture.
Giddens took to social media to announce her decision to cancel her show at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025, opting instead to move the performance to The Anthem, another venue in Washington D.C. The decision was made in response to the center’s new political direction under the current administration.
Known for her work in the Carolina Chocolate Drops and collaborations such as the Grammy-winning album “They’re Calling Me Home” with Francesco Turrisi, Giddens is a versatile and respected performer in the roots music genre. In addition to her musical talents, she also contributed to the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera “Omar” in 2022 and is a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” grant.
Other artists, including Issa Rae, Louise Penny, and the band Low Cut Connie, have also opted to pull out of their scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center amidst the ongoing changes. Singer-songwriter Victoria Clark, however, proceeded with her show on Feb. 15, making a statement by wearing a T-shirt with the message “ANTI TRUMP AF” while on stage.
The Kennedy Center, supported by a mix of government funding and private donations, is a significant cultural institution that attracts millions of visitors annually. Featuring various performance spaces like a concert hall, opera house, and theater, as well as a lecture hall and meeting rooms, the center is renowned for its diverse programming. The “Millennium Stage” at the Kennedy Center has also been a popular spot for free shows, further expanding its reach within the arts community.
Despite the previous tradition of presidents attending the center’s honors ceremony, Trump’s presidency marked a departure from this practice. Artists who have historically participated in the event have found themselves navigating a new political landscape at the Kennedy Center.