Kennedy Center Lawyer Accused of Conflict of Interest in Booking His Band

The DePlorables, a self-proclaimed 'worst band you've ever heard,' were allegedly denied a gig at the Kennedy Center's Speakeasy lounge.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:08am

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A striking, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and black, conceptually representing the conflict of interest and power dynamics at play in the Kennedy Center's attempted booking of Elliot Berke's band.The attempted booking of an amateur band at the prestigious Kennedy Center raises questions about the influence of personal interests on cultural institutions.Washington Today

A high-powered lawyer named Elliot Berke, who serves as the general counsel at the Kennedy Center, has been accused of attempting to book his own dad rock cover band, The DePlorables, for a performance at the center's Speakeasy lounge. However, the Kennedy Center staff reportedly cited concerns about a potential conflict of interest and the band's lack of professionalism, leading to the booking being denied. There are conflicting reports about whether Berke was actually invited to play but declined.

Why it matters

This incident is part of a larger narrative around the Trump administration's efforts to reshape the Kennedy Center, including installing allies in key positions and plans to rename the building. The attempted booking of The DePlorables and another band, Yes, showcases the potential influence and conflicts of interest that can arise when personal interests collide with institutional roles.

The details

Berke, the Kennedy Center's general counsel, allegedly tried to book his band The DePlorables, which he describes as the 'worst band you've ever heard,' for a performance at the center's Speakeasy lounge. However, the Kennedy Center staff reportedly denied the booking due to concerns about a potential conflict of interest and the band's lack of professionalism. There are conflicting reports about whether Berke was actually invited to play but declined.

  • The alleged incident occurred in April 2026.

The players

Elliot Berke

The general counsel at the Kennedy Center who allegedly attempted to book his band The DePlorables to perform at the center's Speakeasy lounge.

The DePlorables

A self-proclaimed 'worst band you've ever heard' cover band led by Elliot Berke.

Kennedy Center

An iconic cultural institution in Washington, D.C. that is currently undergoing changes under the Trump administration, including plans to install allies in key positions and potentially rename the building.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex dynamics between art, power, and personal ambition, as the Kennedy Center, a symbol of artistic excellence, becomes entangled in political maneuvering and potential conflicts of interest. It raises questions about the role of art in society and how it can be influenced by those in power.