The music community is in uproar following the recent, unexpected announcement by Donald Trump about his takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a revered cultural institution in Washington, D.C. This bold move has sparked a significant backlash from the artists scheduled to perform there, casting a shadow over the venue known for celebrating a diverse array of musical talents. Historically, the Kennedy Center has been a prestigious stage for icons such as the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, and more recently, the Grateful Dead and Bonnie Raitt. It’s a place where musicians and patrons alike expect a celebration of unity and artistic freedom. However, Trump’s decision to fire the board of directors has raised concerns about the future cultural and ethical alignment of the institution.
Artists Take a Stand
The ripple effects were felt immediately. Ben Folds, formerly an artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, took to social media to announce his resignation, succinctly stating, “Not for me.” Opera star Renée Fleming and Shonda Rhimes, a powerhouse in television production and the board’s treasurer, followed suit, each citing concerns over the dismissal of respected colleagues and the undermining of the center’s values. This week also saw Issa Rae cancel her sold-out event, “An Evening with Issa Rae,” pointing to “an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds.”
Adam Weiner of the band Low Cut Connie expressed similar sentiments, withdrawing from a scheduled performance due to the impact of the administration’s policies on his community. Despite the exodus, some artists like Chris Pierce choose to use their platform for protest rather than withdrawal. Pierce, a singer-songwriter known for his poignant lyrics on civil rights, plans to perform as scheduled. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Pierce reflected on the influence of his personal history and his music on his decision, stating, “When we booked this gig months ago, I thought about the values of the Kennedy Center and respecting inclusion and empowerment.”
Chris Pierce: A Voice of Resistance
Pierce’s commitment to perform at the Kennedy Center comes from a deeply personal place. Recalling the discrimination faced by his interracial parents, he mentioned a harrowing childhood incident, “There was a cross burning on our lawn when I was five…They didn’t pack up and move. They wanted to make a statement that they should not be scared and should speak out.” This resilience has evidently shaped his resolve to not only perform but to speak louder against injustice through his music. At his upcoming March 12 show, Pierce plans to deliver a setlist rich with themes of resistance and empowerment, featuring songs like “The Bridge of John,” dedicated to John Lewis, and “Tulsa Town,” about the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. “My set is full of songs about subjects that I really feel like I need to speak about, and I’m going to do my set exactly as I do it,” Pierce affirmed.
As the Kennedy Center navigates this controversial chapter, the decisions of artists like Chris Pierce and others underscore the ongoing debate about the role of cultural institutions in reflecting societal values. While some choose to step away, others seize the opportunity to foster dialogue and healing through their art, reminding us of the power of music to influence, inspire, and instigate change.