Sonia De Los Santos Cancels Kennedy Center Concerts
Grammy-nominated artist Sonia De Los Santos has canceled her upcoming concerts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, scheduled for February 7. The Mexican-American singer is known for her work that highlights immigrant stories, and she shared that the current atmosphere at the venue doesn’t feel welcoming.
On Instagram, De Los Santos expressed her sadness over the decision. “As an artist, I cherish the freedom to create. However, I do not feel this venue represents a space where my band and our audience can feel at home,” she wrote.
Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi responded, expressing disappointment over De Los Santos’ comments. “This country welcomes legal immigrants. I find her statement offensive,” she said, adding that everyone is welcome at the center.
This isn’t the first time artists have pulled out of events at the Kennedy Center. Since President Trump appointed new leadership last year, several notable figures have canceled performances. For instance, musicians like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Peter Wolf have also opted out of events, citing political tensions surrounding the institution.
The Kennedy Center even faced backlash when it was reported that it would be rebranded as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that requires Congressional approval. This sparked further cancellations, including a Christmas Eve jazz show by Chuck Redd. Bela Fleck, a Grammy-winning banjo player, recently canceled performances too, stating that the venue has become “charged and political.”
The artist withdrawals reflect a growing sentiment among creators who aim to separate their art from political issues. According to a recent survey, around 70% of artists feel that political issues influence their work environments. This trend mirrors broader conversations in the culture industry, where artistic spaces are increasingly viewed through a political lens.
As the debate continues, artists and fans are left to wonder how these developments will shape the future of performing arts institutions. The ongoing discourse about inclusion and representation raises important questions about the role of art in society today.
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