Rhiannon Giddens Withdraws from Kennedy Center Concert

“I cannot in good conscience play at The Kennedy Center with the change in programming direction forced on the institution by [its] new board,” Giddens shared

The American folk singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens has withdrawn her show — previously booked at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025 — and moved it to a nearby venue for the same concert date. 

Giddens explains that her decision comes as the Trump Administration has enforced a leadership turnover at the center this month, and canceled multiple concerts, including the Gays Men Chorus of Washington, the children's musical Finn, and The International Pride Orchestra. 

In a post on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticized the center's past programming, particularly the performances showcasing drag culture.

Changes to the programming are being noticed by audiences — the Kennedy Center is now seeing a 50% drop in ticket sales, The Washington Post reported. 

“The Kennedy Center show was booked long before the current administration decided to take over this previously bipartisan institution, but I cannot in good conscience play at The Kennedy Center with the change in programming direction forced on the institution by this new board,” Giddens posted on Facebook. 

“I kept quiet until now because I wanted to make a thoughtful and thought-out decision, but also because it took time to get the new gig set up and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for folks to follow us the 8-minute drive down the street to The Anthem! All Kennedy Center tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. The Anthem tickets are now on sale. I am lucky to have found another venue willing to make this change at such a late date.

“I will say here that I don’t judge anyone for choosing to go on with their shows; it’s a highly difficult situation for artists right now and everyone has to do what makes the most sense for them in the moment. Let’s make this a huge celebration for all of us who need joy and inclusion to feel human. We would love to see you! Same day, same time, and just down the street.”

Giddens is now among several artists who have withdrawn their own performances at the venue for similar reasons. 

“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” shared actress and comedian Issa Rae in the UK Independent. 

“In DC, but in the wake of Trump taking over, I have pulled out,” added Canadian writer Louise Penny. “It was, of course, going to be a career highlight. But there are things far more important than that.”

Recently, Leonard Slatkin — formerly music director of the National Symphony Orchestra (resident at the Kennedy Center) — responded to a Washington Post opinion piece about Trump’s takeover of the arts sector, from a performer’s perspective. 

“If all artists withheld their performance, the [Kennedy] Center and other related organizations would close permanently,” he said, addressing comments from his Facebook followers. “That is not good for anyone. But, I understand what you are saying. It will be a difficult decision for anyone. I would use the performance opportunity to address the issue, perhaps from the stage directly.”