Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney, but have some experience with “performance contracts.”
While changing the venue name was clearly a colossal dick move, it’s likely not sufficient justification for an artist to cancel. But Chuck Redd (and his management) can and likely have read the contract, which typically spells out grounds for performing as well as penalties for noncompliance by either party. His decision is likely on pretty solid legal ground, and/or he’s willing to take on the fight for moral reasons.
RG and the administration — on the other hand — are proven fkups in everything legal (and moral, for that matter). So, as usual, expect little more than bluster from that a-hole. I’m surprised he didn’t threaten to sue for $1 Billion!
The one million might have been stipulated as a cancellation penalty -- you know, that boring boiler plate that lawyers insist on that nobody ever reads. And Chuck Redd might well have made the judgment that performing at That Defaced Venue would cause him more reputational damage than that. So Riccy: It's just business. You can tell Donnie to go fuck himself. Or you can do it for him since you know how.
"In short, we suspect this is all happening because Ric Grenell in particular is a whiny fucking bitch..."
I disagree. Grenell is just trying to cover his ass with Trump: "Yes, sir, we've had a couple of setbacks, but look here! I'm threatening them with lawsuits and bogus arguments about their duty as artists -- pretty much what you'd do, sir!"
Wait. The show was free but we couldn’t sell tickets. You owe us money because you saved us a bunch of money by not having to turn on the lights. I’m very confused. Oh wait, lol, I was waiting for it to make sense. Silly me.
The cascade effect of these cancellations is worth thinking about beyond just the politics. When Lin-Manuel Miranda, Issa Rae, and now multiple jazz/dance groups pull out, venues lose not just ticket revenue but also the institutional relationships that take years to build. Artists talk to other artists, and venues that develop a reputaion for hostility (deserved or not) get quietly blacklisted without anyone making grand announcements. The letter threatening a $1M lawsuit over a free concert kinda proves the point about why people dont wanna work there anymore.
“Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump Kennedy Center over political differences isn’t courageous or principled—they are selfish, intolerant, and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people.”
-R. Grenell
Wow, not a winning strategy at attracting or maintaining performing artists! Artists don’t exist to “perform” for fascists, BTW.
Mary Trump has mentioned that her family used to gather in the library of her grandparent’s home over the years. She noted that there weren’t any books in that room and there was no mention or evidence in support of the arts. It was a house literally devoid of anything having to do with “the arts”. The orange turd has never been a reader of books, nor has he been a supporter of the arts, yet he expects that the Kennedy Center should operate as usual. He doesn’t understand that ART is the reason why these once booked performing artists and musicians are canceling their shows in droves.
that letter was an unbridled mishmash of 'your hurt my fee-fees' and 'we know there is no good art of the right, so won't you please reconsider cos all the rwnj artists scare and/or bore us' and 'dine we don't need you anyway' - i'm surprised wicky didn't give hisself a whiplash with that one
I should have known Ms. Ric was involved somewhere. Between Trump and him, they have made the Kennedy Center (I refuse to use the new name) a cultural wasteland.
The Kennedy Center is along the Potomac River and I wouldn't be surprised if tRump and crew build a dock so that a tRump Class Battleship (the Mar-a-Lago) can be docked there.
"The most avant-garde and well-regarded performers in your genre will still perform regularly, and unlike you, they’ll do it to sold out crowds regardless of their political leanings."
No doubt, but it won't be at the Kennedy Center. At least, not before 2029.
I'm not sure why Ric Grenell is so upset. I mean, Shen Yun's still going to be there January 7-18, according to the billboards around town.
Dance, children, dance!
Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney, but have some experience with “performance contracts.”
While changing the venue name was clearly a colossal dick move, it’s likely not sufficient justification for an artist to cancel. But Chuck Redd (and his management) can and likely have read the contract, which typically spells out grounds for performing as well as penalties for noncompliance by either party. His decision is likely on pretty solid legal ground, and/or he’s willing to take on the fight for moral reasons.
RG and the administration — on the other hand — are proven fkups in everything legal (and moral, for that matter). So, as usual, expect little more than bluster from that a-hole. I’m surprised he didn’t threaten to sue for $1 Billion!
The one million might have been stipulated as a cancellation penalty -- you know, that boring boiler plate that lawyers insist on that nobody ever reads. And Chuck Redd might well have made the judgment that performing at That Defaced Venue would cause him more reputational damage than that. So Riccy: It's just business. You can tell Donnie to go fuck himself. Or you can do it for him since you know how.
A giant middle finger to this clueless dimwit. MAGA and Trump are not cultural icons deserving of any respect.
Ricky has always been such a needy Queen of wounded rejection. His Lincoln-Log-Cabin-style self-hatred is well merited.
Evangel University's proudest graduate!
"In short, we suspect this is all happening because Ric Grenell in particular is a whiny fucking bitch..."
I disagree. Grenell is just trying to cover his ass with Trump: "Yes, sir, we've had a couple of setbacks, but look here! I'm threatening them with lawsuits and bogus arguments about their duty as artists -- pretty much what you'd do, sir!"
I would love to know Ongo Gablogian’s take on all of this….
Wait. The show was free but we couldn’t sell tickets. You owe us money because you saved us a bunch of money by not having to turn on the lights. I’m very confused. Oh wait, lol, I was waiting for it to make sense. Silly me.
The cascade effect of these cancellations is worth thinking about beyond just the politics. When Lin-Manuel Miranda, Issa Rae, and now multiple jazz/dance groups pull out, venues lose not just ticket revenue but also the institutional relationships that take years to build. Artists talk to other artists, and venues that develop a reputaion for hostility (deserved or not) get quietly blacklisted without anyone making grand announcements. The letter threatening a $1M lawsuit over a free concert kinda proves the point about why people dont wanna work there anymore.
They ain’t gonna work on Donnie’s farm no more!
Or Maggie’s farm, FWIW.
"The left is boycotting the Arts because Trump is supporting the Arts."
They have to lie about EVERYTHING, don't they?
“Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump Kennedy Center over political differences isn’t courageous or principled—they are selfish, intolerant, and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people.”
-R. Grenell
Wow, not a winning strategy at attracting or maintaining performing artists! Artists don’t exist to “perform” for fascists, BTW.
Mary Trump has mentioned that her family used to gather in the library of her grandparent’s home over the years. She noted that there weren’t any books in that room and there was no mention or evidence in support of the arts. It was a house literally devoid of anything having to do with “the arts”. The orange turd has never been a reader of books, nor has he been a supporter of the arts, yet he expects that the Kennedy Center should operate as usual. He doesn’t understand that ART is the reason why these once booked performing artists and musicians are canceling their shows in droves.
that letter was an unbridled mishmash of 'your hurt my fee-fees' and 'we know there is no good art of the right, so won't you please reconsider cos all the rwnj artists scare and/or bore us' and 'dine we don't need you anyway' - i'm surprised wicky didn't give hisself a whiplash with that one
I should have known Ms. Ric was involved somewhere. Between Trump and him, they have made the Kennedy Center (I refuse to use the new name) a cultural wasteland.
FYA, His name is pronounced Rick (the P is silent)
Princess Ric and king dotard have made the Kennedy Center an artistic desert. In just a few months! I hope the building is still standing next year.
It will be but it will be a hotel. I’m sure that’s the plan.
The Kennedy Center is along the Potomac River and I wouldn't be surprised if tRump and crew build a dock so that a tRump Class Battleship (the Mar-a-Lago) can be docked there.
I actually hoped to see an article on this from Gary, here it is, and I am vindicated!
"The most avant-garde and well-regarded performers in your genre will still perform regularly, and unlike you, they’ll do it to sold out crowds regardless of their political leanings."
No doubt, but it won't be at the Kennedy Center. At least, not before 2029.
They’ll be busking on the streetcorner.
I know I won't be attending until Trump is gone and the building has been exorcised.
Pope Bob, we have a little job for you, should you choose to accept it…
And at least certain seat cushions replaced.
And fumigated.
Oh, yes, definitely fumigated!