John Mellencamp, Jay Leno, and Whitney Cummings will take the stage as guest speakers when Bill Maher is honored with the Mark Twain Award for American Humor. The ceremony is set for June 28 at the Kennedy Center.

The center announced the event details in an email to its members, offering various packages. These range from a $99 seat reservation to $1,500 or more, which includes entry to pre- and post-show receptions.

This announcement highlights a recent change in the center’s identification. The notification came from the Kennedy Center, removing ‘Trump’ from its name. This follows a ruling by a federal judge last month, stating that naming it after Trump was illegal. The center must retain the name given by Congress in 1964 for President John F. Kennedy.

‘The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so. Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,’ wrote U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper.

A Kennedy spokesperson had indicated a potential appeal, but an email from the center’s general counsel suggested cooperation, including removing Trump’s name. The center had once played a role in Trump’s efforts to reshape federal cultural entities, leading to contentious relations with performers.

Maher becomes the 27th recipient of the Twain Award, a distinction previously awarded to figures like Steve Martin and Tina Fey. Although Maher and Trump have had public disagreements, Maher maintains appeal across political divides. He is known for critiquing ‘woke’ culture and engaging with both liberal and conservative figures.

Other attendees at the ceremony will include Louis C.K., who is resuming his career following past misconduct allegations, and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, known for his candid sports commentary. Their participation underscores the diverse opinions and backgrounds present in the comedic world.