Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Belá Fleck during an interview with Fredrika Whitfield on CNN.
(Photo: DownBeat)The fallout from the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to include President Donald Trump’s name continues with several major cancellations, including another from the jazz world.
On Jan. 6, banjo virtuoso Belá Fleck announced on X that he would withdraw from his upcoming performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, citing, “Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music.” Scheduled to perform Rhapsody In Blue with the orchestra, Fleck added that he hoped to reschedule.
The response from Richard Grenell, the Trump-appointed interim executive director of the center, was quick and partisan.
“You just made it political and caved to the woke mob who wants you to perform for only Lefties,” Grenell wrote on X. “This mob pressuring you will never be happy until you only play for Democrats. The Trump Kennedy Center believes all people are welcome — Democrats and Republicans and people.”
Fleck was invited to speak about the cancellation on CNN, where he reiterated his position on canceling the show and added, “I’m getting more attention for canceling a show than I ever have gotten for playing one.
“I’ve had a lot of reaction, mostly great. You know, it’s a media circus. I’m used to watching it on television and not being part of it. So, it’s a bit surreal.”
In addition, trumpeter/vocalist Wayne Tucker cancelled his Jan. 22 date at the center, again in opposition to the name change and board of directors shakeup.
After receiving a rash of backlash on social media, Tucker responded with a Jan. 2 social media post that concluded with this statement: “Thank you all for the kindness. It is my birthday and I really appreciate all of the nice words from so many kind strangers … I play music to uplift the world, not for fame or fortune. You may ask ‘who?’ or you could also listen to the music and see why I am frequently the musician chosen to back up your favorite artists. Despite the hate I will continue to choose love and I leave you with a musical blessing. Good luck to all of you [heart emoji].”
Additionally, The Cookers, the jazz supergroup made up of legendary artists, set up a GoFundMe page to make up for income lost after canceling its gig at the Trump Kennedy Center on New Year’s Eve. To date, the effort has raised $24,747 with 496 donations, well above the stated goal of $14,000.
Care to contribute to the cause? CLICK HERE. DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
