Béla Fleck, the renowned banjo virtuoso, has decided to cancel his upcoming performances at the Trump-John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Fleck attributed his decision to the “charged and political” environment that has enveloped the venue since President Donald Trump became associated with it.

Originally, Fleck was scheduled to collaborate with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for a series of three concerts beginning on February 19. However, in a candid Instagram post dated January 6, Fleck informed his followers that he would be stepping back from these engagements, as reported by The Wrap.

“I have withdrawn from my upcoming performance with the NSO at The Kennedy Center. Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music,” Fleck expressed. He also conveyed his hope for future collaborations, stating, “I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art.”

The performances were to feature Fleck’s new work, “NSO: American Mosaic,” inspired by Eric Copland’s ballet “Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes,” along with his Clarinet Concerto, all in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.

Fleck is not the first artist to cancel a performance at the Kennedy Center, highlighting a trend among performers who are distancing themselves from the venue due to its current political connotations.

Fleck is far from the first performer to cancel his show at the Kennedy Center.