A boycott group said Friday it is asking some of Cincinnati's upcoming national acts and performers to cancel their events.

        So far, at least two performers have discussed it with the group, and one has pledged to acknowledge support of the principles behind the boycott without canceling a performance.

        The Coalition for a Just Cincinnati confirmed Friday that it has mailed boycott letters to performers such as actor-comedian Bill Cosby, a capella group Sweet Honey in the Rock and Grammy-winning jazz artist Wynton Marsalis.

        As did letters sent out to some convention planners by the Black United Front, the coalition's letters ask performers to avoid Cincinnati until aggressive steps are taken by city leaders to address police, racial and economic issues, said the Rev. James W. Jones, a coalition member.

        Mr. Cosby is considering whether to cancel his March 15 performance at the Aronoff Center in support of the boycott. He talked about his discussions with the coalition on a nationally syndicated radio talk show, The Bev Smith Show.

        Steve Loftin, president and executive director of the Cincinnati Arts Association, said he spoke with Cosby representatives who say the comedian is troubled by reports of Cincinnati's racial problems.

        “Mr. Cosby is very uncomfortable in finding himself in this position, and he is very concerned about and sensitive to the issues that are so present and so serious here,” Mr. Loftin said.

        “But as of right now his show is still scheduled, and we are still selling tickets.”

        It was unclear Friday whether Mr. Cosby will perform, cancel or choose an alternative to canceling. A publicist would not comment.

        Sweet Honey in the Rock opted not to cancel its 8 p.m. performance tonight at the Aronoff. Instead, the African-American female group plans to make a statement addressing Cincinnati's troubles during its act, which sold about 2,400 tickets.

        Mr. Loftin said such a move would be no surprise given that many of the group's songs recognize the struggles and strifes of people.

        “It would be completely in their character to address the struggles in Cincinnati,” he said.

        Members of The Cincinnati Arts Association, which manages the Aronoff Center, Music Hall and Memorial Hall, met with coalition representatives this week to discuss the boycott.

        Mr. Loftin said he tried to explain to the group that its effort only hurts the positive work the association is trying to accomplish.

        “Whenever we can bring a performer to Cincinnati ... it presents an opportunity for people of all backgrounds in our community to come together and experience something positive,” he said.

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