Several Artists Withdraw From Freedom 250 Concerts on National Mall

Several performers scheduled for the Great American State Fair concerts on the National Mall have withdrawn from the lineup. The shows are set to run from June 25 to July 10 as part of Freedom 250 events marking the nation's 250th anniversary. Martina McBride, Morris Day of Morris Day and the Time, and Young MC announced their decisions on social media this week.

McBride stated she had been assured the event was nonpartisan before deciding to withdraw.

MC wrote that artists were not informed about political involvement and that he hoped to perform in Washington at a future nonpartisan event. Morris Day posted that his band would not appear, adding a comment stating it was a no for him. The initial roster included the Commodores, Milli Vanilli, Flo Rida and Bret Michaels. Vanilla Ice remains scheduled to perform.

250 describes itself as a national nonpartisan organization leading the celebration of the nation's 250th birthday. A spokesperson for the group did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Milli Vanilli member Fab Morvan issued a statement confirming he would perform, saying he aims to entertain and unite people.

>"I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them. " — Fab Morvan, May 28, 2026 (AP) The Great American State Fair is planned as a 16-day national exposition on the National Mall.