URGENT UPDATE: The Kennedy Center is facing a growing crisis as multiple artists report significant delays in receiving their performance fees. Just days after allegations of internal dysfunction and cronyism emerged, the spotlight now shines on the Center’s failure to pay several performers for their work.
According to representatives for three artists, checks for performances dating back as far as July and September remain unpaid. Veteran booking agent Wayne Forte, who represents acts like the Tedeschi Trucks Band and guitarist Lari Basilio, revealed that two of his developing artists, Ashes & Arrows and Basilio, played the Millennium Stage last fall, yet have not been compensated.
Forte stated, “The Kennedy Center staffer who handled their bookings was let go in October,” adding that attempts to contact a replacement have yielded no results. He expressed frustration over the lack of communication, saying, “You see these reports about the Center in the news… but I don’t know what’s going on.”
A representative for another artist, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid repercussions, claimed their client is owed $40,000 in VIP-package revenue from a July show. The situation has become dire as employees from the Kennedy Center’s VIP department have also departed, leaving artists and their managers without answers.
Despite the mounting frustrations, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center insisted to The Hollywood Reporter that all payments have been processed and that there are no outstanding issues. They claimed recent upgrades to the payment system are designed to “bring [the Center] into the 21st century.” However, reports from artist representatives suggest that payments have yet to materialize, putting the credibility of these claims into question.
While communication has reportedly improved, artists’ representatives are still waiting for the checks to arrive. One rep noted that a payment was processed after inquiries were made, indicating a potential breakthrough. However, the ongoing uncertainty paints a troubling picture for the future of artist relations at the Kennedy Center.
As this situation develops, the arts community is watching closely. The implications of these delays extend beyond individual artists, potentially impacting the Center’s reputation and future engagements.
Stay tuned for updates on this escalating story as the Kennedy Center grapples with its financial obligations and the fallout from its internal management issues.