Kennedy Center Moves Honors Gala To Arena

The Kennedy Center Honors gala moves to the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7.

Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell receive the awards at the event. The center closed its doors Tuesday following a board vote. This action occurred hours after a federal judge ruled that President Trump’s name could not return to the building facade.

Trump’s name joined the exterior in December when his appointed board trustees voted to rename the venue the Trump Kennedy Center. In February, Trump announced a two-year closure starting in July for renovations. A judge ordered the name removed in May and blocked the planned closure. The ceremony usually takes place in the center’s opera house along the Potomac River.

Trump threatened to demolish the building in mid-September if his name did not return. As board chairman, he helped select the honorees. He hosted last year’s ceremony, which featured George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester Stallone. Trump skipped the event during his first term, making him the only president to miss the ceremony twice.

Barbara Mandrell responded to the announcement on social media on Monday. She wrote, “Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors is one of the greatest honors of my life. … Country music has been a gift to me, and I’m humbled that the songs and performances we shared continue to mean something to people.” The announcement did not state whether Trump would host this year.

The center remains closed indefinitely for renovations. The gala shifts to a larger venue as the building undergoes changes. Last year’s event celebrated five performers in the opera house. This year’s lineup spans pop, country, film and theater.