A long-running holiday jazz concert traditionally held on Christmas Eve at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been canceled this year after its longtime host chose to step away. The performance was part of an annual Jazz Jam series that has taken place for more than 20 years and has become a familiar seasonal event for audiences. The venue’s official website now lists the concert as canceled, and no alternate program has been announced to replace it.
The concert had been hosted since 2006 by jazz drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, who took over the role following the passing of bassist William Keter Betts. In a statement shared with the Associated Press, Redd explained that his decision was connected to recent changes at the venue, including a rebranding that added the name of Donald Trump alongside the center’s original dedication. He noted that the choice to withdraw was personal and reflected his long-standing relationship with the institution.
The rebranding has prompted public discussion and legal review. The performing arts center was created by Congress in the 1960s as a national memorial to John F. Kennedy following his death in 1963. Some legal experts and former officials have stated that existing federal law limits changes to the memorial’s designation without congressional approval. Members of the Kennedy family, including Kerry Kennedy, have expressed concerns about the update, while President Trump said he was surprised by the decision and described it as an honor.
The concert cancellation comes amid broader organizational changes at the Kennedy Center, including leadership and board restructuring. Several artists, such as Issa Rae and Peter Wolf, have also withdrawn from scheduled appearances in recent months. In addition, a federal lawsuit filed by Joyce Beatty challenges the authority to alter the center’s name. As discussions continue, the absence of the Christmas Eve jazz concert represents a notable pause in a long-standing holiday tradition at one of the country’s most recognized cultural venues.