For more than 20 years, live jazz music on Christmas Eve has been a treasured tradition at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Each year, audiences gathered to enjoy an evening filled with warmth, creativity, and festive spirit, making the concert a memorable part of the holiday season. This year, however, that familiar celebration will not take place.
The Kennedy Center has confirmed that its annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam has been canceled, marking the first interruption of the tradition in decades. The decision has surprised many longtime attendees and left a noticeable absence in the center’s holiday programming.
The cancellation follows the decision of jazz drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd to step away from his role as host. Redd had led the Christmas Eve performance since 2006, becoming a central figure in shaping the event’s welcoming and improvisational atmosphere. He took on the role after the passing of renowned bassist William “Keter” Betts and remained closely associated with the concert for nearly two decades.
In a statement shared with the Associated Press, Redd explained that his decision was based on personal concerns related to recent developments at the Kennedy Center. After learning about a rebranding initiative that added former President Donald Trump’s name alongside the center’s original dedication, Redd said he felt unable to continue hosting the event this year.
The rebranding has drawn widespread attention and discussion. The Kennedy Center was established by Congress in the 1960s as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. Because of its status, questions have been raised about whether changes to its name require congressional approval. Legal experts and former officials have noted that federal law places limits on how the memorial can be altered.
Members of the Kennedy family have publicly expressed objections to the change, while former President Trump stated that he was surprised by the decision and viewed it as an honor. As the conversation continues, the issue has extended beyond the arts community and into broader public debate.
The canceled Christmas Eve Jazz Jam is part of a larger pattern of changes at the institution. In recent months, several artists, including Issa Rae and Peter Wolf, have withdrawn from scheduled appearances as leadership and board transitions reshaped the organization. Additionally, a federal lawsuit filed by board member Joyce Beatty argues that only Congress has the authority to approve a name change.
Kennedy Center officials have said the rebranding does not alter the original purpose or mission of the memorial. Even so, the absence of this year’s holiday jazz performance serves as a reminder that institutional changes can have far-reaching effects—sometimes pausing traditions that have long been part of the cultural fabric of the season.
