A spokesman for the Great American State Fair responded to the many artists who canceled Freedom 250 concerts because of the event’s association with the President. Donald Trump.
“[The event is] it’s really about Americans who will show up to celebrate our country. That is exactly what is being talked about,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland he told DC News Now The sun rises on the Mountain Friday, May 29. “We come together as Americans to celebrate our country.”
The Great American State Fair will be a 16-day celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in Washington DC, including Independence Day celebrations on July 4, shows, parades and a controversial UFC event at the White House.
The Freedom 250 concert series is billed as a “non-partisan” event, although questions have been raised as the group’s website includes photos of the president, 79, and the first lady. Melania Trump. Freedom 250 lists the White House and several government agencies – including the Department of Homeland Security and the Military – among the “members of the founding government,” and companies connected to the Trump administration, such as Palantir, UFC and Oracle, as sponsors.
Bret Michaels on stage at the Tree Town Music Festival.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Tree Town Music FestivalAs the Great American State Fair has begun, a country music icon Martina McBridea rock Bret Michaels and many musicians who were booked to participate in the Freedom 250 concerts have already left to avoid conflict.
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has turned into something more divisive than I was willing to be a part of,” said Michaels, 63, in a statement on Thursday, May 28. “Concerns for the safety of my fans, team, team, family and myself have also been raised, including threats that are completely baseless and unforgivable.
McBride, 59, confirmed on Instagram that he was also “given the opportunity to sing at a non-partisan event but it ended up being a misdirection.”
On Friday The sun rises on the Mountain appearance, Freedom 250 spokesperson Friedland responded directly to the artists who canceled their appearances.
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“You know, we’re all united by the fact that we’re Americans and we should be proud of our country. I really know I am,” she said. “We live in the best country on Earth, and this is going to be a celebration of our country. And it’s going to be, it’s going to be fun for everyone. Like I said, the FIFA Fan Zone, we have performances from sponsors like Northrop Grumman, John Deere. They’re actually joining us to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. So there’s going to be an opening, for kids alike, fun for kids alike.”
Friedland was asked if the artists were aware of Freedom 250’s connection to the Trump administration when they were originally booked.
“I can’t talk about artists’ interviews, but what I can say is that we sell in the same way to everyone in this country,” he replied. “This is a celebration of America, 250 years, a glorious year. It’s apolitical in nature. We’re coming together to celebrate our country. We live in the best country on Earth, and we’re having a big birthday party because America deserves it. And it’s free and open to the public. And everyone’s invited.”
Pressed further on whether Freedom 250 is truly arbitrary, Friedland insisted that there is nothing “conclusive about America being around for 250 years.”
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“We have history, obviously, but we have a president who wants to celebrate 250 years of America. And that’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said. “That’s how it was sold to the players. We will have military teams, and military groups.”
A spokesperson for Freedom 250 added, “We’ll have representatives from every state and territory of the United States come and represent their culture, which makes their country and their place unique. So it’s the same for everyone that we’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday. We’ll have military bands, orchestras, professional performers. We’ll have a lot more, and we’ll have something coming in the coming weeks.”
Not all acts lined up for the Freedom 250 have canceled their appearance at the Great American State Fair, though Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida again Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli are all set to perform during the music festival.
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