Batiste Legacy Sessions
The Batiste Legacy Sessions celebrate the heartbeat of Baton Rouge through the sound and soul of live jazz. Hosted at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, this intimate concert series brings audiences up close with Louisiana’s finest musicians — from emerging local talent to world-class performers who carry the city’s jazz tradition forward.
Each session offers a one-of-a-kind evening where creativity, improvisation, and community meet. Listeners can expect rich rhythms, spontaneous collaborations, and the unmistakable warmth that defines Baton Rouge’s jazz culture.
The Batiste Legacy Sessions’ mission is to promote an understanding of and enthusiasm for music across all genres, providing opportunities for listeners, students, and performers to hear and learn about the art form and its history.
Join us for unforgettable nights of music, connection, and culture as the Batiste Legacy Sessions keep the spirit of jazz alive in downtown Baton Rouge.
Tickets
$25 Reserved Seating
$15 Arts Council Member
$10 Student Seating
Interested in becoming a member? Join the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge for exclusive discounts and perks.
Johnny Vidacovich and Organ Trio
January 28, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Johnny Vidacovich and the Organ Trio for a special night full of percussion and melody.
No drummer from New Orleans has had more of an impact on the sound of the city than Johnny Vidacovich. New Orleans is Johnny’s soul. Rhythmically, he plays the sweetness and heart of the groove, and lyrically. Johnny has a lot to say and a lot to play.
Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants
February 18, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Trumpeter and vocalist Mark Braud embodies the spirit of New Orleans jazz. Born into a family of renowned musicians, Braud brings fresh energy to tradition, drawing inspiration from classic jazz, R&B, and the Great American Songbook. He has been a member of Harry Connick, Jr.’s band since 2001 and previously served as leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from 2008–2016.
As part of the Batiste Legacy Sessions, Braud’s performance celebrates the living history of New Orleans music through intimate, high-energy concerts that connect audiences with the artists shaping the city’s sound today.
NOJO with Seth Finch
March 18, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Adonis Rose is a Grammy-award winning artist, composer, educator, and producer from the city of New Orleans, LA. He has played and recorded with the biggest names in Jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Harry Connick, Jr., and Wynton Marsalis, and has performed on the most renowned stages in the world.
Rose has over fifty recordings to his credit (five as a leader), including six with longtime friend, trumpeter Nicholas Payton. In 2010, he won a Grammy Award with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for Best Large Ensemble.
Masakowski Family with Brian Blade
April 29, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
For three years, Masakowski worked in a duet with pianist Ellis Marsalis, Jr. In 1987, he joined Astral Project. From 1993–1996, he toured with singer Dianne Reeves. He leads the band Nova NOLA, whose members include his son, double bassist Martin, and his daughter, vocalist Sasha Masakowski.
Batiste Legacy Sessions 2026 Line-up
— Tickets coming soon!
May 20: Roderick Harper - Tribute to Alvin Batiste
June 17: George Bell with jam session*
July 15: Blues Night - Artist(s) TBA soon!
August 19: Jeremy Davenport with strings
September 16: Peter Harris’ “Bayou Bar Allstars”
November 18: Tal Cohen - Solo piano
December 16: Baton Rouge High Alumni concert with jam session*
*Reduced ticket prices available
UPCOMING SHOWS!
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UPCOMING SHOWS! •
Mike Esneault
Director of Arts In Education
225.344.8558 ext. 229
mesneault@artsbr.org