Grammy-winning banjo participant Béla Fleck has canceled three upcoming performances with the Nationwide Symphony Orchestra on the Kennedy Heart, accusing the venue of turning into “charged and political” after current adjustments below the Trump administration.
Fleck, who has received greater than a dozen Grammy Awards, introduced the withdrawal on social media.
In a submit on X, he wrote, “I’ve withdrawn from my upcoming efficiency with the NSO at The Kennedy Heart. Performing there has change into charged and political, at an establishment the place the main focus needs to be on the music.
“I stay up for enjoying with the NSO one other time sooner or later after we can collectively share and have fun artwork.”
In December, the White Home introduced that President Donald Trump’s title could be added to the performing arts establishment following a vote by its board.
The choice has prompted a number of performers to cancel appearances, together with Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Broadway musicals equivalent to “Depraved” and “Godspell.”
The Kennedy Heart’s web site listed Fleck’s withdrawal as being attributable to “private points” and famous that the performances by the Nationwide Symphony Orchestra will nonetheless go ahead.
“Artists canceling their reveals on the Trump Kennedy Heart made a political option to tie themselves to a hateful, politically pushed media marketing campaign, and so they had been rewarded with headlines,” Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Heart’s vp of public relations, stated in an announcement to Fox Information Digital.
“These partisan performers are the megaphone minority. There are a lot of artists who would like to carry out, and so they received’t discriminate or exclude patrons of various backgrounds and beliefs.”
Fleck’s determination additionally drew a response Tuesday from Kennedy Heart President Richard Grenell, who accused the acclaimed banjoist of caving to what he referred to as the “woke mob.”
“You simply made it political and caved to the woke mob who desires you to carry out for less than Lefties. This mob pressuring you’ll by no means be blissful till you solely play for Democrats,” Grenell wrote in a repost of Fleck’s assertion.
“The Trump Kennedy Heart believes all persons are welcome — Democrats and Republicans and folks tired of politics. We would like performers who aren’t political — who merely love entertaining everybody no matter who they voted for.”
Grenell’s response drew extra reactions on-line. Political activist Raheem Kassam wrote that “artwork is meaningless with out bravery,” calling Fleck a “coward” for his determination.
Radio host and columnist Mark Davis, who stated he was a longtime fan of the musician, accused Fleck of politicizing the venue himself.
“From a longtime fan: YOU politicize the venue with this tantrum of depriving attendees and staff of your abilities,” Davis wrote on X.
“Higher to seem, as your contract requires, and make your gripe clear from the stage if you want.”
Trump eliminated the Kennedy Heart’s management in February 2025 and put in himself because the board chair.
