Béla Fleck Withdraws From Kennedy Center Performance, Calling It 'Charged and Political'

Béla Fleck Withdraws from Kennedy Center Performance Amid Donald Trump's Controversial Takeover

Grammy-winning banjoist Béla Fleck has canceled his upcoming performance with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, citing that the event had become "charged and political." Fleck made the announcement on social media last night, stating that he looks forward to playing with the orchestra again in the future when they can focus solely on sharing and celebrating art.

Fleck's cancellation comes days after Stephen Schwartz, Oscar-winning composer behind hit musicals like Wicked, pulled out of a scheduled appearance at the Kennedy Center in protest of Trump's takeover. Schwartz stated that the center "no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be," adding that he would not set foot in the institution anymore.

The decision to cancel Fleck's performance follows a string of cancellations by various artists, including jazz musicians Wayne Tucker and Kristy Lee, folk singer, after Trump's board unanimously voted to change the Kennedy Center's name to the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

Lin-Manuel Miranda also canceled a scheduled revival of Hamilton originally set for spring 2026, stating that the latest action by Trump means it's not the Kennedy Center as they knew it. The composer expressed that he would not be part of an institution that no longer represents its founding spirit.

The controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center's name change has led to widespread outrage among artists and fans. Many have chosen to cancel their shows at the institution, citing concerns about artistic freedom and the impact of Trump's takeover on the center's values.

just heard that Béla Fleck is outta a gig at the Kennedy Center what's up with all these cancellations tho? I mean I get it, art should be free from politics but at the same time, can't we just find a way to make it work? I'm all about celebrating creativity and self-expression it's a shame that people are getting so upset over this name change maybe we can just roll with it and see what happens next

i cant believe what thats happening with the kennedy center!!! its like theyre trying to suck the soul outta everyones performance its not right that trumps been able to just change the name and basically turn it into some kinda politics fest whats next? are artists gonna have to sign contracts saying they wont speak their minds or play certain music?!?! im all for a little controversy, but this is just getting out of hand

Ugh, this is getting weird ... I mean, think about it, Fleck cancels his gig, Schwartz too, just because Trump changed the name of the Kennedy Center to include himself? What's going on here? It seems like a power play to me ... The center used to be all about arts and freedom, but now it's all about Trump's ego . And don't even get me started on the revivals of Hamilton and Wicked getting canceled too... Is this just another attempt to silence dissenting voices? I'm not buying it ... Someone's hiding something behind this "artistic freedom" nonsense ...

Oh man, can you believe what's going on with the Kennedy Center? I mean, I get it, they're trying to be inclusive and all that, but renaming it after Trump is just a huge mistake . It's like, come on, you guys are supposed to be about art and free expression, not politics! I'm kinda sad that artists are having to cancel their shows because of this - it's like they're being forced to take a stand, which is exactly what they don't want to do . And Lin-Manuel Miranda is totally right, the Kennedy Center was always about something more than just politics, you know? It's like, where's the artistic freedom in that?

I gotta say ... this whole thing with the Kennedy Center is really concerning for me . I mean, I get that Donald Trump wants his name on a historic institution, but changing its name to include his own? That's just weird . And now, all these artists are canceling their shows because they don't want to be associated with it anymore? It's like the Kennedy Center is losing its purpose .

I'm not sure what's more sad - that Trump got to change the center's name or that so many talented people are leaving because of it . It's a shame, really. I love live music and performances at the Kennedy Center... but if the event becomes "charged and political", then what's the point? Can't we just enjoy some good tunes without all this drama?

I don't blame Béla Fleck for bailing on his gig, but part of me feels like this is a bit dramatic. I mean, we're talking about some of our favorite artists who are just trying to stick it out and make music happen. It's understandable that they wouldn't want their art to be tied to this whole Trump thing, but some of these cancellations feel like a big fuss over nothing? Like, can't we all just get along and respect each other's differences?

Still, I do think there's something to be said for the Kennedy Center being an institution that represents free artistic expression. It's always been about bringing people together and celebrating creativity in all its forms. And if Trump's board thinks they're gonna change that vibe by renaming it after themselves, then maybe they should be prepared for some pushback from the artists who care deeply about what that center stands for.

For me, I'd rather see these artists find ways to use their platforms to speak out against what they don't agree with, even if it means taking a stand and potentially losing some gigs. At least that way, we get to hear them advocate for what matters most: art and humanity

just thinkin about all these artists cancellin performances because of trump's takeover at the kennedy center... like what even is the point of havin a arts org if ur gonna make it all about politics? i mean, fleck was right to bail on that one, art should be about sharin and celebratin not about stirrin up drama. can we just go back to the kennedy center bein that chill place for creatives again?

this is a total shame . i get why fleck and schwartz cancelled - can't imagine being part of an event that's supposed to be all about art but has become super politicized. but what's next? are other artists gonna start boycotting the kennedy center too? it's like, i'm all for speaking out when something's wrong, but can we just focus on creating some awesome music instead of getting caught up in drama? the kennedy center used to be this iconic place where art and politics didn't mix... sadly, it looks like that's not the case anymore .

omg what's goin on with the kennedy center ?? they're changin the name to like a total trump fanboy now ?? i get it, ppl wanna make a statement but cancelin shows is super lame lol who's gonna miss out on some awesome music tho ?? lin-manuel miranda makes sense tho, hamilton is all about speakin truth to power and trump ain't exactly the poster child for that anyway, gotta respect fleck for standin up for himself but can we pls just focus on the music now

OMG what's going on with the Kennedy Center ?! I'm literally thinking they're trying to suck all creativity outta this city! I get that ppl are upset but can't we just focus on sharing art & music without all these politics getting in the way? Béla Fleck's decision is fair, btw - he should stand by his values & what matters most: the art, not some politician's ego . And what's with this name change tho?! It's like they're trying to erase all that history & legacy...can't we just keep it classic?

So now every artist is canceling their shows at the Kennedy Center just because some dude changed the name? I need more context here... what exactly did Trump do that's so bad? Is it really a big deal to change the name of an old building? I'm not saying I agree with the new name, but let's not jump to conclusions. Can we get some sources on this? Who else is involved in the decision-making process here?

this is super disappointing I was so looking forward to seeing Béla Fleck live, but I guess you can't make that money when you don't agree with the new direction of the Kennedy Center my main concern is about artistic freedom and who gets to decide what's "political" anymore? shouldn't we be able to express ourselves without fear of backlash or cancellation? still, I respect Béla Fleck's decision to stand up for what he believes in and I'll definitely keep an eye out for him when he performs again

I don’t usually comment but... it’s wild that all these talented artists are speaking out against this name change . I mean, I get why they want to stand up for what they believe in, but can’t they just focus on making awesome music and leaving the politics at home? The thing is, some of these artists have been playing at the Kennedy Center for years and now it seems like this name change has changed everything . What’s next? Are we gonna start seeing Trump merchandise being sold in the gift shop or something ? Anyways, I just think it’s sad that it had to come to this

Ugh, this is so frustrating ! I mean, can't we just keep politics out of art? The Kennedy Center was supposed to be this neutral space where artists could shine without all the drama. Now it feels like it's become a pawn for Trump's ego and his followers are going to dictate what we see and hear . And what's with the name change? It's just another way for them to put their mark on everything, even something as sacred as the arts . I get why Fleck, Schwartz, Miranda, and all those others cancelled their performances - they're standing up for artistic freedom and that takes courage . Can't we just keep it about the music and let politics stay out of it?

I don't usually comment but I'm kinda surprised that more people aren't speaking out about this . I mean, I get why Fleck cancelled his show – it was gonna be a charged environment with all that drama going down . But can you blame him? If the Kennedy Center's losing its cool vibe because of Trump's takeover, then maybe they should just slow down and rethink what they're doing . I don't think it's fair to cancel shows like this either, especially when artists are just trying to do their thing . But at the same time, if you can't even perform without feeling uneasy, is it really worth it? It's all super confusing for me...

Ugh , can you believe this?! They're basically saying that art is too good for a place with politics involved? I mean, come on! The Kennedy Center was always meant to be a spot where creatives could express themselves without fear of judgment or censorship. Now they're just going to play it safe and pander to whoever's in charge?

And let's not forget that Béla Fleck is basically saying he'll only play for an institution that doesn't have "charged and political" vibes... like what about all the other artists who feel strongly about this?! Are they just going to sit this one out too? It's so boring . The whole point of art is to challenge and spark conversation, not hide behind a "no politics" policy. I'm calling BS on this one

I'm so disappointed in this ... like I get that politics can be charged but the Kennedy Center is supposed to be neutral you know? Béla Fleck was gonna play there and he's all about sharing art and stuff, now he's gotta cancel it 'cause of Trump taking over . And what's up with the name change anyway? I mean, I'm all for remembering the past but not at the expense of artistic freedom. We need places like that to exist where we can just enjoy some great music or theatre without all the drama . It's a shame Lin-Manuel Miranda had to cancel Hamilton too... that show was gonna be lit !

omg can't believe what's happening Béla Fleck just pulled out of his show like that? I get it tho, can't bear to play there when it's all charged up with politics . I'm so disappointed for the artists who are already affected by this decision it's like they're being forced to choose between their art and speaking out against something that doesn't feel right meanwhile, Lin-Manuel Miranda just made the smartest decision ever - Hamilton is HUGE . We need more people like him standing up for what matters most: ART

I'm kinda bummed that Béla Fleck had to bail on his Kennedy Center show . I mean, who wants politics getting in the way of good music, right? It's sad when artists feel like they have to make a stand like that... but at the same time, I get why they're upset . The whole thing with Trump changing the center's name is just wild . I remember when the Kennedy Center was this amazing place for art and music, you know? Now it feels like it's being hijacked by politics . It's gonna be hard to get back to that vibe again .