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

Ugh, I'm so done with this whole thing . First, it's Béla Fleck, then Stephen Schwartz, and now Lin-Manuel Miranda is pulling out too? What even is going on at that place?! It's like the entire institution has lost its chill . I get why they're upset about Trump taking over and trying to change the name to this... this... thing . I mean, can't we just keep the focus on art for once? It's all about the music (or theater or whatever) people go there to enjoy, not politics . But noooo, now it's become a hot mess and everyone's running away from it . Anyway, I'll just stick to my vinyl records and avoid that whole scene altogether

omg i dont know what to think lol... i mean bela fleck was supposed to be at the kennedy center performing with some amazing musicians but now hes out cant say i blame him tho, all this drama around trump taking over the kennedy center is a bit much if its gonna affect the arts and free expression then why not just take a stand? anyway, hope bela fleck comes back and performs there again soon when things calm down

I'm really bummed out about this whole thing ... I mean, can you believe they're changing the name of the Kennedy Center like that? It's just so... unnecessary . I love Béla Fleck and all, but come on, if he doesn't want to play there anymore, that's his prerogative, I guess. But what really gets me is that these artists are being forced out by this whole situation. Like, Lin-Manuel Miranda was supposed to revive Hamilton at the Kennedy Center in a few years... now it's just not happening . And it's not like they're going to change their minds or anything. I don't get why Trump has to go and mess everything up. Can't we all just focus on creating something beautiful and meaningful for once?

I'm so disappointed . I mean, the Kennedy Center is all about bringing people together through art, right? But now it feels like they're letting politics take over . I get that some artists are standing up for their values, but can't we just focus on creating something beautiful instead of arguing about who's in charge? I'd love to see more collaboration and less canceling of shows . Maybe Béla Fleck will reschedule for another time when everyone can be on the same page .

man I'm really thinking about this and it got me wondering what does it mean for art when our freedom gets tied to politics ? like Béla Fleck was performing at the Kennedy Center but then it became charged and political, you know? he's all about sharing and celebrating art, which is beautiful... but now it's complicated. I'm not gonna lie, Trump's takeover doesn't sit well with me either ... but is it really worth canceling a performance just because there's controversy around the venue's name change?

I think we gotta consider the impact on our community and the fans who look forward to seeing their favorite artists perform. it's like, what if they can't find an alternative space that feels safe for them? the Kennedy Center has always been about bringing people together through art... but now, I'm not sure if that message is still being conveyed

I get why Béla Fleck canceled his performance... I mean, who wants politics getting in the way of music, right? But at the same time, I think it's kinda dramatic to just up and leave like that. Can't he just stick around for one show and see how things play out? I'm not saying Trump's takeover is a good thing or anything... it's just a bit much for me when artists are all like "I'm outta here!" without even giving it a shot . I still think the Kennedy Center should be able to do its own thing and have its own vibe, you know? Maybe Fleck can just come back later and play with a new group of musicians who don't care about politics...