Kennedy Center Ordered to Pay Jazz Musician

Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center has been ordered by a superior court judge to pay over $250,000 to jazz musician Chuck Redd. Last December, Redd canceled his long-standing Christmas Eve performance at the center. This decision came after President Trump’s name was added to the facade of the arts center.

Redd, a vibraphonist and drummer, had been hosting this annual concert for nearly two decades. After he canceled the performance, the Kennedy Center threatened to sue him for $1 million in damages. In June, Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier dismissed the breach of contract lawsuit against Redd, citing the district’s anti-SLAPP statute. This law is designed to protect public interest speech. On Monday, the judge ruled that the Kennedy Center must pay Redd $252,479.70 to cover legal fees.

The Kennedy Center announced plans to appeal this decision. Lisa J. Banks, one of Redd’s attorneys, stated that the ruling was fitting. She emphasized that citizens should not have to defend themselves against baseless and politically motivated lawsuits filed by the Trump Administration.

In June, following a federal court ruling, President Trump’s name was removed from the complex’s facade. Despite this, Trump remains the chairman, having ousted the center’s previous leadership in February 2025.

The Kennedy Center’s future remains uncertain, with most public programming and educational activities suspended. Trump announced plans to close the complex on July 5 for two years of renovations. However, the Federal District Court in Washington ordered an update on the plans involving construction and public access. Judge Christopher R. Cooper allowed the board time to research and vote on these plans. The board is scheduled to meet this month to decide on the future directions.

Last week, The Washington Post revealed that Democratic members of the center’s board, such as Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, had not yet received updated plans to review before the meeting. NPR reached out to Sen. Whitehouse’s office for comments but has not received a response.