Freedom 250 Mall Concerts to Proceed as Several Performers Withdraw

Several musicians scheduled for the Great American State Fair on the National Mall have withdrawn from the event less than 48 hours after Freedom 250 released its initial lineup. Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time, and The Commodores stated they will not perform. Some cited concerns that the event had been presented to them as nonpartisan.

McBride said she was told the event would celebrate all 50 states. "I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading," she said. " Bret Michaels stated that the event had evolved into something more divisive than originally described and mentioned safety concerns for fans and crew.

The Commodores said their music has always served as their voice and they choose not to affiliate publicly with any single political party.

250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said the Great American State Fair is a celebration of all Americans. "We respect the rights of any artist to make their own decisions, and our doors remain open to any performer who wants to be part of honoring 250 years of American freedom, culture, and unity," she said.

Milli Vanilli singer Jodie Rocco told The Associated Press that neither she nor other group members had been contacted to perform and expressed surprise at seeing the name listed.

Ice remains scheduled to appear.

A representative said the rapper is contracted for the June 26 show and is proud to help celebrate the 250th anniversary. The status of Flo Rida and C+C Music Factory remains unclear. Freedom 250 said the fair runs June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall.