Kennedy Middle president Richard Grenell threatened to sue Chuck Redd after the musician unexpectedly cancelled a Christmas live performance days after the venue introduced Donald Trump’s title shall be added to the efficiency house.
In a letter shared with the Related Press, Grenell insisted, “Your resolution to withdraw on the final second — explicitly in response to the Middle’s latest renaming, which honors President Trump’s extraordinary efforts to avoid wasting this nationwide treasure — is basic intolerance and really pricey to a non-profit Arts establishment.”
He continued, “Regrettably, your motion surrenders to the unhappy bullying techniques employed by sure parts on the left, who’ve sought to intimidate artists into boycotting performances at our nationwide cultural middle.”
Grenell additionally wrote that the jazz drummer and vibraphonist’s scheduled efficiency “had been lagging significantly behind our different Christmas and vacation choices, which have drawn sturdy crowds and enthusiastic response.”
He then supplied a strong protection of Trump, who was introduced as chairman of the middle in February.
“The distinction between the general public’s lack of curiosity in your present with the success we’re experiencing beneath our new chairman is drastic. Our progressive KC Speakeasy — an intimate rooftop after-hours venue that includes dwell jazz — has persistently offered out, attracting numerous audiences and revitalizing the style in thrilling methods. Essentially the most avant-garde and well-regarded performers in your style will nonetheless carry out frequently, and in contrast to you,they’ll do it to offered out crowds no matter their political leanings,” Grenell wrote.
“You must also comprehend it was President Trump’s decisive intervention that rescued this historic constructing from nearly sure destruction,” he continued. “Previous to his administration’s swift and decisive intervention, structural assessments indicated extreme deterioration, with suggestions for full demolition and rebuild. His management secured crucial funding and oversaw a complete restoration that preserved the unique structure whereas making certain its future viability.”
On account of Redd’s resolution, Grenell added, the letter served as “official discover that we are going to search $1 million in damages from you for this political stunt.”
Redd has placed on his Jazz Jams on the Kennedy Middle since 2006. In his personal e-mail to the AP Wednesday he defined, “After I noticed the title change on the Kennedy Middle web site after which hours afterward the constructing, I selected to cancel our live performance.”
The White Home introduced the title change in December.
“I’ve simply been knowledgeable that the extremely revered Board of the Kennedy Middle, among the most profitable individuals from all elements of the world, have simply voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Middle to the Trump-Kennedy Middle, due to the unbelievable work President Trump has accomplished during the last yr in saving the constructing. Not solely from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but in addition financially, and its popularity. Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, as a result of this shall be a very nice workforce lengthy into the longer term!” wrote White Home Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X.
“The constructing will little question attain new ranges of success and grandeur.”
