The Kennedy Center has been hit with a string of abrupt cancellations in the wake of the board of trustees' addition to the landmark performing arts center.
Just a few days before they were all set to perform twice on New Year's Eve, the jazz group backed out of this huge gig.
'With deep regret, we need to share that we are not able to perform as planned on New Year's Eve'- the group shared in the statement. They explained how the decision came together very fast.
'We remain committed to playing music that reaches across various divisions instead of deepening them,' the post read.
While the group failed to give more details behind this decision, Billy Hart, who is the Cookers' drummer, mentioned how the center's name change played a serious role in this cancellation.
They noted concerns about the potential for retaliation to take center stage. Folk singer and songwriter Kristy Lee also canceled her show due to the name change.