Several artists cancel scheduled performances at the Kennedy center
(CNN, KYMA) - Several artists are canceling performances at the kennedy center.
The Cookers, a jazz group, backed out of two gigs set to take place New Year's Eve at the Washington, D.C. venue.
They issued a statement on their website, saying they play music that "reaches across divisions rather than deepening them."
The statement appears to be aimed at the center adding "Donald J. Trump" to its name earlier this month.
Acts including Doug Varone and Dancers and Kristy Lee also announced they are canceling upcoming performances respectively. They specifically said the name change is why.
The center's president, Richard Grenell, dismissed the cancelations, saying the artists were "booked by the previous far left leadership."
The Kennedy family has been vocal in its disapproval of the name change.
