Béla Fleck Withdraws from Kennedy Center Shows Over Renaming

Grammy-winning banjoist Béla Fleck announced on Tuesday that he has withdrawn from scheduled performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing the politicized atmosphere at the venue following its recent renaming. The 19-time award winner was set to join the National Symphony Orchestra for three dates on February 19, 21 and 22 in the world premiere of "American Mosaic," a program featuring works by Aaron Copland and Peter Boyer to mark the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary.

In a statement posted on social media, Fleck explained his decision. "I have withdrawn from my upcoming performance with the NSO at The Kennedy Center," he wrote. "Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music. I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art."

Fleck's cancellation adds to a series of withdrawals by performers since President Donald Trump restructured the center's leadership and oversaw the name change. In February 2025, Trump dismissed several board members and appointed himself as chairman, stating his intent to revitalize the...