For more than two decades, Christmas Eve at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was marked by a cherished tradition: a live jazz jam that brought warmth, reflection, and musical excellence to the holiday season. This year, however, the beloved event will not take place, leaving a notable absence in the center’s annual holiday programming.
The Kennedy Center has confirmed that the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam has been canceled following the decision of its longtime host, jazz drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, to step away from the role. Redd had led the concert since 2006, after assuming hosting duties from the late jazz bassist William Keter Betts, and became closely associated with the event’s identity and success.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Redd explained that his decision was based on personal considerations related to recent institutional changes at the Kennedy Center. He specifically referenced a rebranding effort that incorporated the name of former President Donald Trump alongside the center’s original dedication to President John F. Kennedy.
Redd stated that, under those circumstances, he no longer felt comfortable continuing as host. His departure ultimately led to the cancellation of the annual performance.
The rebranding effort has generated broader discussion and debate. The Kennedy Center was established by Congress in the 1960s as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and its name carries both legal and symbolic significance. Legal scholars and former officials have noted that federal law may restrict changes to the memorial’s designation without congressional approval. Several members of the Kennedy family have publicly voiced objections, while former President Trump has described the addition of his name as an honor.
The canceled jazz concert is part of a wider pattern of artist withdrawals connected to recent leadership changes and ongoing legal questions surrounding the institution. Performers such as Issa Rae and Peter Wolf have also stepped back from scheduled appearances in recent months.
The absence of this year’s Christmas Eve Jazz Jam underscores how administrative and symbolic decisions can have far-reaching effects, even pausing long-standing cultural traditions that audiences have come to view as timeless fixtures of the holiday season.