Artists Withdraw From Semiquincentennial Concerts
A significant number of artists have withdrawn from the U.S. Semiquincentennial concert series due to its perceived political affiliations. The event, backed by President Trump, has faced backlash from performers who were initially assured of its nonpartisan nature. Some artists, however, still plan to participate, emphasizing a desire to celebrate rather than engage in politics.
- ▪More than half of the announced performers for the Semiquincentennial concert series have pulled out.
- ▪Country singer Martina McBride expressed disappointment over the misleading nature of the event's nonpartisan claims.
- ▪Rapper Young MC and funk group The Commodores also canceled their performances, citing political concerns.
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Just days after the officially nonpartisan nonprofit organizing group Freedom 250 announced a “first wave” of performers for the U.S. Semiquincentennial concert series in Washington, D.C., more than half of the acts announced they are pulling out because the event is politically charged.Freedom 250, which President Donald Trump has vocally backed, announced on Wednesday nine musical performances for “The Great American State Fair,” one of many events which the Trump Administration has touted for celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary on July 4 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But a wave of performers have withdrawn in recent days.TIME has reached out to Freedom 250 for comment.It’s not the first time Trump has caused backlash from the artistic community.
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