Artists bail on D.C. bash for America’s 250th birthday after being listed on the lineup


Two musical artists listed as performers at an upcoming event on the National Mall in D.C. to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary are saying they won’t be attending despite being listed on the lineup.

Freedom 250, a public-private partnership backed by President Donald Trump, announced a list of performers on Wednesday, but shortly after, Morris Day and The Time and Young MC announced that they would not be making appearances.

“Contrary To Rumor, Morris Day & The Time Will Not Be Performing At The ‘GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR,’” said a graphic posted by the artist on social media.

“It’s A No For Me,” the post added.

Morris Day performs in 2025.
Morris Day performs in 2025.Michael Tullberg / Getty Images file

Young MC also said in a social media post that he told his agents he would not perform at the event.

“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” the rapper wrote.

“I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” he added.

Reached for comment, Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said that the group is a nonpartisan nonprofit “dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation’s 250th anniversary.”

“Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America,” Reisner added.

NBC News has reached out to other artists listed on the lineup for comment.

The announcements by the artists came shortly after the Freedom 250 announced the “first wave” of participants, including hip-hop acts Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida, country star Martina McBride, funk and soul group The Commodores, dance-pop act C+C Music Factory, and Bret Michaels, the frontman for the glam metal band Poison.

Freedom 250 announced that the artists would participate in the “Great American State Fair,” which will run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall.

The festivities will include showcases from states and territories, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, “CEO and innovator-led conversations and demonstrations,” special screenings of “National Treasure” and its sequel, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” the organizers said.

Trump has also created a task force to spearhead an administration-wide effort to prepare for the anniversary events. The White House said those will include an Indycar street race around the National Mall and an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight at the White House.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Alternative Ballistics Corporation to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference on June 4th

    LAS VEGAS, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alternative Ballistics Corporation (OTCQB: ALBC) (“ALBC” or the “Company”), a public safety technology company focused on reducing risk and preserving life in…

    Goldman Sachs COO calls inflation ‘the single biggest risk element’ to the economy

    Goldman Sachs COO John Waldron called out inflation as “the single biggest risk element” to the economy on Thursday during a talk at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference in New…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal | Gaza

    Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal | Gaza

    Inflation hits highest level in nearly 3 years, Fed’s preferred gauge shows

    Inflation hits highest level in nearly 3 years, Fed’s preferred gauge shows

    H1 secures $40M from CVS, proving SaaS startups can still attract investment

    H1 secures $40M from CVS, proving SaaS startups can still attract investment

    Róisín Lafferty Debuts Luxury Furniture & Lighting Collections

    Róisín Lafferty Debuts Luxury Furniture & Lighting Collections

    Steven Guilbeault Out, Navdeep Bains Returns, and a Summer Political Reset

    Steven Guilbeault Out, Navdeep Bains Returns, and a Summer Political Reset

    Alternative Ballistics Corporation to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference on June 4th