Jazz Group Opts Out of Kennedy Center Show

A well-known jazz group, The Cookers, has decided not to perform at the Kennedy Center on New Year's Eve. This move comes after the center was renamed to include President Donald Trump's name. The group shared their decision on their website, saying they wanted to make sure their music could be enjoyed by everyone without any political distractions. The Cookers have been performing together for almost 20 years. They didn't directly mention the renaming or Trump's involvement, but they did say they wanted their music to bring people together, not drive them apart. One of their members, Billy Harper, was more direct. He said he wouldn't perform at a venue that supports ideas he strongly opposes, especially those that harm African American music and culture.This isn't the first time artists have canceled shows at the Kennedy Center since Trump got involved. Earlier this year, after Trump took control of the center, several performers and advisors stepped down. Some artists, like Issa Rae and the producers of "Hamilton, " canceled their performances. Others, like Ben Folds and Renee Flaming, left their advisory roles. Trump's ally, Richard Grenell, who now leads the Kennedy Center, said the artists who canceled were booked by the previous leadership. He also said the center has been getting many requests from other artists who want to perform without making political statements. Grenell even threatened legal action against musician Chuck Redd, who canceled a Christmas Eve show, seeking $1 million in damages. The Kennedy Center was named after President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. A law passed the next year says the center should remain a memorial to him. Some experts believe changing the name would require approval from Congress, and the law doesn't allow the board to name the center after anyone else.