Canadian singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume harbored a long-cherished dream of gracing the stage at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a dream that finally blossomed into reality when she received an invitation to participate in a landmark event. However, her excitement was swiftly dashed when President Donald Trump orchestrated a shakeup at the arts institution, installing his supporters on the board of trustees and announcing his own chairmanship. In protest, Rheaume cancelled her April 5th performance.
"As an artist, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint a single defining moment; we labor for years, even decades, before those pivotal opportunities arise," Rheaume posted on Facebook, expressing her disappointment. "I was thrilled to be scheduled at the renowned Kennedy Centre, a venue that holds immense significance for both my audience and my career in the vital US music market. Yet, I cannot, in good conscience, bring myself, my melodies, or my narratives to a place where he holds sway."
Rheaume elaborated to the Toronto Star on her concerns over several of Trump's policies, particularly his executive order affirming a strict binary gender classification and another deeming programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as "illegal and immoral." "Let's just say we don't share the same politics or values," she clarified. "As a queer Métis individual crossing the border into the US, given his overt and covert actions, I'm certain he wouldn't welcome me with open arms."
Following Trump's February 12th takeover, weekly ticket sales plummeted by approximately 50% compared to the preceding week, according to The Washington Post. Screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, renowned for her work on series like "Grey's Anatomy," "How to Get Away with Murder," and "Bridgerton," announced on Instagram her resignation from the board. Music consultant Ben Folds, who served eight years as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, and soprano Renée Fleming, in her role as artistic adviser at large, likewise stepped down.
Other performers, such as actor Issa Rae and rock band Low Cut Connie, also scratched their appearances from the schedule. Mystery novelist Louise Penny, who had intended to premiere her novel "The Black Wolf" at the center, echoed these sentiments. "Once President Trump orchestrated what amounted to a coup, there was no way I was going ahead with it," Penny told The Post. "It was set to be a career highlight, but there are matters far more crucial than personal achievements," she also posted on Facebook.
Rheaume's decision came with a heavy price—not only did it dash her dreams, but it also imposed significant financial burdens, including travel expenses to the US and lost earnings from the cancelled gig, as she shared with the Star.
