Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University presents Jon Batiste on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m., the first offering of its diverse and innovative 2018-19 season.
Eclectic jazz musician and charismatic bandleader for Stay Human, the house band for CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Jon Batiste makes his Musco Center debut. The New Orleans-bred, New York-based musician, educator and humanitarian will share his virtuosic music style during this intimate performance, singing and playing piano, keyboards and his signature harmonaboard in Musco’s state-of-the-art concert hall.
“Jon Batiste is an ambassador for the future of jazz, and his performance will set the tone for an incredible season ahead,” said Musco Center Executive Director Richard T. Bryant. “He is an undeniably charming and gifted performer. We’re thrilled to present Mr. Batiste as Musco Center continues to attract artists at the forefront of their craft.”
With numerous industry accolades including a 2016 nod as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30: Music” and currently serving as the co-artistic director for the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Batiste began his musical training as a child. Born into a celebrated lineage of Louisiana musicians, he went on to attend the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts then The Juilliard School in New York City, where he formed the ensemble, Stay Human. The group garnered national attention with spontaneous subway and stressed performances throughout New York, which eventually led Batiste and Stay Human to “The Late Show” stage.
Praised for his unique fusion of jazz, gospel, pop and R&B, Batiste’s discography includes “The Late Show EP,” which debuted at number three on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart, and an upcoming solo album, “Hollywood Africans,” due for release Sept. 28. Batiste is a worldwide touring artist and global educator, and strong proponent of human interaction during a live performance.
With a reputation for generating joyful audience connections, Batiste’s sound will resonate throughout Musco’s acoustically advanced performance space.
Tickets for Sept. 21 are on sale now for $25-55 and may be purchased through the Musco Center online at www.muscocenter.org or by calling the box office at 844-OC-MUSCO (844-626-8726). All print-at-home tickets include a no-cost parking pass. Musco Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Chapman University at 415 North Glassell, Orange.
