Many artists drop out of D.C. concert series for America's 250th anniversary shortly after lineup announced

Several Artists Withdraw from Planned Freedom 250 Concert Series in Washington After Lineup Release

Washington — Multiple performers listed in an initial lineup for the Freedom 250 concert series withdrew or clarified their non-participation within days of the announcement. The series forms part of events organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit established to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, with performances scheduled on the National Mall.

Freedom 250 announced the first group of scheduled artists on Wednesday. By that evening, two performers had stated they would not appear, and additional withdrawals followed on Thursday. The planned events include a 16-day exposition called the Great American State Fair, set to run from June 25 through July 10 and to feature exhibits from all states and territories along with musical performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Morris Day posted on the official Facebook account for Morris Day and The Time that he would not perform. Young MC posted on Facebook that he had informed his agents he would not appear, stating that artists had not been informed of any political connections and that the event had been described by organizers as non-partisan. He added that he hoped to perform in Washington at a future event without such associations.

The Commodores posted on social media that the group would not perform. The statement indicated that the group’s music serves as its voice and that it chooses not to affiliate publicly with any single political party while supporting improvements for all Americans. Country singer Martina McBride posted that she had agreed to participate after being assured the event would be nonpartisan and would celebrate all 50 states, but later determined that the information provided had changed.

Bret Michaels posted that the presentation of the event had shifted from a national celebration to one he viewed as more divisive. He also cited concerns about safety for fans, band members, crew, and family, including threats he described as unfounded.

Milli Vanilli was listed among the performers, although one member of the original duo, Rob Pilatus, died in 1998. Jodie Rocco, one of the vocalists associated with the group, told The Associated Press that neither she nor her sister had been contacted about performing and expressed surprise at the listing.

Vanilla Ice remains scheduled to perform. His management agency stated in an email that he is under contract for the June 26 date at the National Mall and described the appearance as a celebration of the anniversary. C+C Music Factory member Freedom Williams posted a video indicating he plans to perform despite his stated lack of support for President Trump. Flo Rida was also listed in the initial announcement.

Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner stated that the organization is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) focused on events honoring national history and open to all Americans who wish to commemorate the anniversary. The group’s commissioners include members of Congress from both major parties. The 250th anniversary commemorations originated before the current presidential term, though President Trump has directed additional planning for related activities.

CBS News contacted the listed artists to confirm participation status. The Great American State Fair is described by organizers as including state exhibits, cultural programming, and mainstage performances between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.