A beloved holiday tradition at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts came to an unexpected halt this year, as the long-running Christmas Eve jazz concert was officially canceled following the decision of its longtime host to step away. The performance, part of the center’s annual Jazz Jam series, had been a seasonal fixture for more than two decades, drawing devoted audiences each year with its warm, celebratory atmosphere and all-star lineup of musicians. For many, the concert marked the emotional start of the holidays in Washington, blending music, community, and tradition in one of the nation’s most iconic cultural spaces.
This year, however, that tradition will not continue. The Kennedy Center’s website now lists the Christmas Eve performance as canceled, and officials have confirmed that no replacement event is currently planned. The cancellation stems from a personal decision by the concert’s organizer, who cited concerns related to recent developments at the performing arts center.
Since 2006, the holiday jazz concert had been led by acclaimed jazz drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, who took over hosting duties after the death of legendary bassist William “Keter” Betts. Redd, a familiar presence at the Kennedy Center throughout his career, said his decision to withdraw was prompted by learning of a recent rebranding initiative that added former President Donald Trump’s name alongside the center’s original dedication. In a statement to the Associated Press, Redd described the choice as a deeply personal one, shaped by his long-standing relationship with the venue and his feelings about the change. While expressing sadness over canceling a concert so meaningful to audiences and musicians alike, he said he felt he could not continue in the role under the new circumstances.
The rebranding has sparked widespread discussion and legal scrutiny. The Kennedy Center was established by Congress in the 1960s as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. Legal experts and former government officials have pointed out that federal law places limits on the board of trustees’ authority, noting that any alteration to the center’s memorial status or name may require congressional approval. Several members of the Kennedy family have publicly criticized the decision, including Kerry Kennedy, who voiced concern over what she described as a departure from the center’s original purpose and legacy.
President Trump, for his part, said last week that he was surprised by the controversy and stated that he felt honored by the inclusion of his name. Kennedy Center officials have defended the move, arguing that it aligns with historical precedent and does not erase or diminish the original memorial to President Kennedy.
The canceled Christmas Eve concert is part of a broader moment of transition at the Kennedy Center. In recent months, changes in leadership and board composition have coincided with the withdrawal of several high-profile artists, including Issa Rae and Peter Wolf, from planned appearances. Additionally, a federal lawsuit has been filed by Joyce Beatty, a non-voting member of the center’s board, asserting that only Congress has the authority to alter the institution’s name.
As legal challenges and public debate continue, the loss of the Christmas Eve jazz concert stands out as a particularly poignant symbol of the moment. For many patrons, the cancellation represents not just the absence of a single performance, but a pause in a cherished holiday ritual—one that had connected generations through music in a space long associated with national memory, culture, and continuity.