Adam Weiner, the frontman for the popular Philly rock and soul band Low Cut Connie, announced this week he has cancelled a March 19 concert at the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump’s takeover of the venue.
“I was very excited to perform as part of this wonderful institution’s Social Impact series, which emphasizes community, joy, justice and equity through the arts,” Weiner wrote on the Low Cut Connie Instagram page. “Upon hearing that this institution that has run non-partisan for 54 years is now chaired by President Trump himself and his regime, I decided I will not perform there.
“Our little rock n roll act stands for diversity, inclusion, and truth-telling,” he continued. “My extended Low Cut Connie community includes Black, white, gay, straight, transgender, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, atheist, and immigrant individuals — all of whom are wonderful upstanding Americans. Many of these folks will be directly negatively affected by this Administration’s policies and messaging.”
Weiner wrote that Trump “has appointed a new board, not a single member of which has any arts experience whatsoever.”
“Arts institutions are one area that should be immune from our corrosive political culture,” he continued. “I sincerely wish for Kennedy Center to return to a non-partisan community-building model of arts programming. Until that occurs, I won’t perform there.
“Maybe my career will suffer from this decision, but my soul will be better for it.”
He closed by signing his name and writing, “aka Low Cut Connie rock n roll artist from Philadelphia.”
Followers responded with support.
“I’ve never heard your stuff but this is a dope move and I am a fan of it,” one person wrote.
“A career built on integrity stands stronger than one built on ambition alone,” another wrote.
“Not many can claim this level of integrity and guts,” another wrote. “This fan ain’t going nowhere.”
