Guster’s Kennedy Center Performance: A Musical Protest
On a significant night at the Kennedy Center, the band Guster took the stage for a performance that served as a poignant statement against the political backdrop of the Trump administration. The concert highlighted the intersection of art and activism amid the venue’s changing landscape.
Protest Through Performance
During the concert, Guster’s lead singer, Ryan Fisher, introduced a unique element to the evening by showcasing a piece from the musical Finn, a trance-themed show centered around LGBTQ+ themes. This particular production had its slated performance at the Kennedy Center canceled following Trump’s appointment as chairman of the venue.
Fisher addressed the audience, stating, “I have a friend named Michael who wrote a musical song called Finn. It was previously reserved for performances here at the Kennedy Center. But as you all know, things have happened and the show is no longer presented here. As the new administration has made abundantly clear, Finn’s themes of inclusivity, love, and self-acceptance are not welcome in this building while they are in control.”
A Call for Inclusivity
Fisher further emphasized the band’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, declaring, “Tonight, our band is here saying our stage is your stage. We are your allies. We are standing with the LGBTQ community. We want to sing with us. We welcome the cast of Finn and composer Michael Koeman. They belong here.”
In a memorable collaboration, Guster joined forces with the cast of Finn to perform the song “Hard Time,” blending their musical styles and messages of unity.
Impact of Political Changes
The artistic gathering came in response to a wave of cancellations following Trump’s assumption of the Kennedy Center presidency. At least 26 performances have been scrapped due to the administration’s policies, with artists like Issa Rae and Lowcut Connie openly voicing their discontent with the cultural direction under the current leadership.
Rae called off her show scheduled for February 14, labeling the shift as an infringement of artistic values. Similarly, Lowcut Connie’s Adam Weiner canceled their March 19 concert to protest the atmosphere created by the new administration.
Background on Finn
Finn is a children’s musical featuring a shark character who discovers his “innerfish.” The production, crafted by openly gay creator Krisne, was initially intended for the Kennedy Center’s stage.
Musical Statements
Brian Rosenwersel, Guster’s drummer, spoke to reporters after the performance, stating, “We tried to focus for these shows, for fans and working symphony members and excellent staff, but when the new board promised programming to be ‘not comprehensive,’ we wanted to use our platform to fight it.”
This concert not only highlighted the band’s commitment to their values but also underscored the broader artistic community’s response to political changes affecting the landscape of American culture.
For a glimpse of the performance, check out the video below:
Additional Reports by Nikki McCann Ramirez.