Latest news with #BenFolds
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ben Folds Admits It's Hard to Reason Why He Didn't Stay at Kennedy Center to Combat Trump
Ben Folds reflected on his decision to step down as the artistic adviser of the Kennedy Center's National Symphony Orchestra earlier this year, telling MeidasTouch Sunday that it's a choice that he knows was right, but he still struggles to articulate why. Folds served as the first artistic adviser for the NSO from 2019 to 2025, but he resigned following the Trump administration's takeover of the Kennedy Center in February. More from TheWrap Ben Folds Admits It's Hard to Reason Why He Didn't Stay at Kennedy Center to Combat Trump | Video 111 BBC Journalists Blast Broadcaster for 'Censorship' of Gaza Coverage, Call for Robbie Gibb's Board Removal CBS' John Dickerson Says Trump Settlement Jeopardizes Network Holding 'Power to Account After Paying It Millions' | Video Elizabeth Warren Rallies for 'Full Investigation' Into Trump-'60 Minutes' Settlement, Says Paramount Has Refused to Answer Inquiries 'I know I did the right thing,' Folds said. The musician explained that while he's 'not used to messaging this sort of thing,' he's spent several years advocating for arts funding in the United States, but he could no longer remain in the role at the Kennedy Center because 'what I saw was an abuse of power, a very extreme one.' 'There was why I resigned, and then there's kind of the other question that I think people want answered, which is, 'Why not stay?'' he shared. Watch the musician's interview below: 'People might not realize how the arts work in the government, but it's very separated from the art itself. The government, artists and politics is separated with a firewall from what we say, how we say it, who says it — that's up to the people,' he continued. 'And the firewall was breached in the biggest way. I mean, [Trump] let go of the board, which was bipartisan. Once the board was gone, installed loyalists, the loyalists came in and voted in — guess who — Trump to be the chairman, the head of the Kennedy Center.' The situation was 'alarming,' Folds said, 'because now he can put, or they can put their fist on the scale of what is programmed, who gets to speak and who doesn't get to speak at our greatest arts institution, the Kennedy Center.' 'The thing I have a hard time explaining to people is why not stay and sort of fight it out,' Folds admitted, turning to MeidasTouch co-founder and interviewer for the video Ben Meiselas. 'And I think I can really use some coaching on this because I know I did the right thing.' Meiselas agreed. 'My thought is, is that you don't want to be used as a puppet for the regime, and they're going to use someone like you with your distinguished career,' he said. 'And they're going to say, look, Ben Fold supports me, you know, take a look at what Trump does.' 'What he loves the most is celebrity,' Meiselas continued. 'And when he just has Kid Rock over and over and over again, he wants Ben Folds to say, look, here's an artist with kind of deep intellectual roots who supports me, and if Ben Folds supports you, you should too. So that's my belief about why you have to leave because you're just used as a prop.' Trump was elected as Kennedy Center Board Chair in February. 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces executive leadership changes, effective immediately. At a Kennedy Center Board meeting this afternoon, the Board elected President of the United States Donald J. Trump as Kennedy Center Board Chair, replacing former Chair David M. Rubenstein. The Board also terminated Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter's contract and announced Richard Grenell as interim Kennedy Center President,' the Center announced in a press release at the time. 'Fourteen new Kennedy Center Board of Trustee members were also announced today including President Donald J. Trump, Susie Wiles, Dan Scavino, Allison Lutnick, Lynda Lomangino, Mindy Levine, Usha Vance, Pamela Gross, John Falconetti, Cheri Summerall, Sergio Gor, Emilia May Fanjul, Patricia Duggan, Dana Blumberg, bringing the total number of board members to 31.' The post Ben Folds Admits It's Hard to Reason Why He Didn't Stay at Kennedy Center to Combat Trump | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ben Folds, Who Stepped Down From Kennedy Center One Minute After Trump Took Over, Releases Defiant Live Album With National Symphony Orchestra
After announcing his resignation as the first-ever artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra in February, just one minute after President Donald Trump's administrative regime change took hold at the Kennedy Center, Ben Folds has surprise-released the album 'Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra' — no doubt intended as a defiant rebuttal to the administration. Folds was named the NSO's first artistic advisor in 2017, and recorded the live album last October at the Concert Hall of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Months later, he handed in his resignation right before the Trump administration gained control of the Kennedy Center. Others affiliated with the organization including Shonda Rhymes and soprano Renée Fleming also stepped down from their roles. More from Variety Kennedy Center Director Slams 'Les Misérables' Actors as 'Vapid and Intolerant' for Threatening Boycott of Trump Performance: 'Will No Longer Fund Intolerance' Rhiannon Giddens on Her New 'Blackbird' Album, the Impact of Her Beyoncé Banjo Cameo, and Why She Canceled Her Kennedy Center Show: 'It's Important to Be Clear Where I Stand' Conan O'Brien Defends Attending Kennedy Center Mark Twain Event Despite Trump Controversy: 'I Felt Like It Was Important' 'Not for me,' Folds wrote on Instagram following his resignation. 'It's been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music. Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation's symphony orchestra — just the best!' The live album was recorded over two nights at the Kennedy Center, where Folds performed his hits and new music with special guests Regina Spektor and Tall Heights. Described as 'part protest, part celebration' in a press release, the record is what Folds describes as a 'time capsule of the last moment before it all got torn down.' 'I still believe there's more good than not,' he told WKPK FM Louisville. 'But you must work for it. You have to say something. Especially now.' In addition to the live album, Folds will officially announce a tour this morning at Washington's Byrdland Records, his first appearance in the nation's capital since his resignation. He will be touring the United States through the fall, performing with various orchestras including the Colorado Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Louisville Orchestra. Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Acclaimed '90s Singer-Songwriter Makes Bold Political Statement With Surprise Album Release
Acclaimed '90s Singer-Songwriter Makes Bold Political Statement With Surprise Album Release originally appeared on Parade. is celebrating the Fourth of July with a bang! The acclaimed singer-songwriter dropped a surprise release, Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra, recorded at his sold-out concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 4. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 A few months after the concert, Folds publicly resigned from his position as the first-ever artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) following 's decision to take over the Kennedy Center. Folds spent eight years as the National Symphony Orchestra's artistic advisor, but opted to resign at 1:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 12, 2023—exactly one minute after Trump's regime change at the Kennedy Center took place. 'I had my statement up by 2:01,' Folds said in an interview with , nationally syndicated radio host at WFPK-FM Louisville. 'The takeover was at 2. I wanted no part of what was coming.' 'We weren't using the orchestra as props,' Folds added. 'We were challenging them to bring new music to life, while giving the orchestra a one-size-fits-all role. Our experimentation was a beacon for other orchestras throughout the private sector.' Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra serves as a document of Folds' time at the Kennedy Center working with the National Symphony Orchestra and includes such old favorites as 'Still Fighting It,' reworked with a full orchestral introduction. 'It works because it's not pretending to be something else,' Folds said. 'It's using the orchestra as it should be used. To elevate, not decorate.' The album includes a guest appearance by Folds' old friend on the duet 'You Don't Know Me,' as well as the song 'Capable of Anything,' with a bridge orchestrated by Jherek Bischoff, which Folds has called a warning shot. 'We're all capable of terrible things,' Folds said. 'But we're also capable of doing better. That's the choice.' In the wake of what's happened at the Kennedy Center, Folds said Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra takes on added weight and importance.'This album suddenly now feels much bigger,' Folds said. 'I knew we were making something special with the NSO. I didn't know it'd be a time capsule of the last moment before it all got torn down. 'I still believe there's more good than not,' he added. 'But you must work for it. You have to say something. Especially now.' Folds announced the release of the album on Instagram, much to the support of his fans. 'You made the right choice at the right time. Until Trump is gone, the arts aren't safe. Can't wait to hear the new album!' one wrote. However, some also questioned the move. 'Brother, I wish you well. But, this is a rather cliche move. Could have been a stronger and more effectual [sic] voice had you stayed. Now you're just another artist stomping off.' Acclaimed '90s Singer-Songwriter Makes Bold Political Statement With Surprise Album Release first appeared on Parade on Jul 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Ben Folds speaks out on Kennedy Center — and drops an album he made there
Ben Folds didn't want to quit. 'There wasn't a bone in my body that wanted to,' the singer-songwriter says. But minutes after President Donald Trump's newly appointed Kennedy Center board of trustees voted both to appoint Trump as the center's chairman and fire its longtime president Deborah Rutter, both he and fellow artistic adviser Renée Fleming tendered their resignations.
Axios
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philly weekender: 4th of July celebrations and FIFA Club World Cup
🏛️ Beat the heat at free museum days as part of Wawa Welcome American. Participating museums include the Academy of Fine Arts and Fireman's Hall. 🎹 Philly Pops and singer Ben Folds take the stage today at 7pm for a concert at the Independence National Historical Park. Don't forget to bring your own chair or blanket. 🏰 Kickoff the long weekend at the South Street Night Market tonight from 5-9pm. Plan for line dancing, karaoke, food trucks and a bounce house between 8th and 3rd Streets. 🐶 Let your patriotic pooch strut his stuff for the top prize at the Betsy Ross House's pet costume contest. Friday, 10:30am. 🇺🇸 The Salute to Independence Parade steps off at 11am from 5th and Chestnut Streets. Enjoy floats, entertainers and marching musical groups. 🎇 The Wawa Welcome America Festival takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday at 7pm (gates open at 4pm) with a concert featuring LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan. Count on a beer garden, food trucks, interactive activities and a big fireworks display (9:30pm). ⚽ Philly's last FIFA Club World Cup match is Friday. Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras will take on English giant Chelsea in this 9pm quarterfinal match at Lincoln Financial Field. Tickets: $45+
