New album honors the National Symphony Orchestra, snubs Trump's Kennedy Center changes

By Justin Barney

Published July 19, 2025 at 7:54 AM EDT

Pop pianist Ben Folds' new record is a celebration of the National Symphony Orchestra, and a protest against President Trump's changes at the Kennedy Center.

Justin Barney

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Man whose car struck crowd outside Los Angeles club, injuring 30, was shot, attacked by crowd

The Associated Press

A vehicle rammed into a crowd of people waiting to enter a nightclub along a busy boulevard in Los Angeles early Saturday, injuring 30 people and leading bystanders to attack the driver, authorities said.
Mushroom enthusiasts are looking for a way to farm the morel- an elusive foraged delicacy

Kate Grumke

The morel (MORE-rell) mushroom is traditionally an elusive foraged delicacy. Now, some mushroom enthusiasts say they're close to unlocking the mysterious life cycle of the morel and are looking for a way to farm it in the U.S.
NPR News

The week when crypto won big in America

Rafael Nam

Congress passed the first major crypto legislation in the U.S., marking a major milestone for the digital currency sector. And with President Trump's support, the industry plans to march on.
NPR News

Opinion: Farewell, equid program

Scott Simon

The U.S. Army announced that 141 of its 236 horses, donkeys, and mules will be put up for adoption, in a move it says will save about $2 million dollars.
Encore: Religion and AI, what does it mean when the word of God comes from a chatbot?

Deena Prichep

How would you feel if you found out that the sermon at your church was written by artificial intelligence? What does it means when the word of God comes from a chatbot?