French President Emmanuel Macron invited Batiste to take part in the event, part of the “Fête de la Musique,” which takes place in France each summer.
Jon Batiste at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Jessica Link/Télé-Louisiane
By Jonathan Olivier
New Orleans Jazz musician Jon Batiste will perform at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the president of France in Paris, leading a delegation of Louisiana musicians and leaders who are a part of the "Fête de la Musique."
During his visit to New Orleans in December, President Emmanuel Macron invited Louisiana to participate as the guest of honor at his garden party, which will highlight the ties between Louisiana and France. Batiste will play with Ibrahim Maalouf, a French-Lebanese trumpet player, producer and composer, as well as New Orleans-based jazz legends Herlin Riley, Mitchell Player and Mahmoud Chouki.
“We are thrilled that Louisiana has been invited by President Macron for this unique event” said Nathalie Beras, consul general of France in Louisiana. “In the speech he gave during his visit last December, he expressed his desire to include the State in France's future initiatives in favor of Francophonie, such as the forthcoming Cité Internationale de la Langue française in Villers-Cotterêts. This Fête de la Musique is a strong sign of our deep cooperation in many areas, including music, of course, and I'd like to thank Greg Lambousy, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, for his help putting together this exceptional group of New Orleans talent.”
The festival was founded in 1982 as an event where people are invited to play music outside, such as in public spaces or their neighborhoods. New Orleans Jazz Museum Executive Director Greg Lambousy noted that with this invitation, France and Macron are shining a light on the rich culture of New Orleans. “Music and cinema are intertwined,” he said. “Jon Batiste will perform with iconic New Orleans musicians Herlin Riley, Mitchell Player and Gallatin Street Records artist, Mahmoud Choucki, helping to strengthen ties between the two cities in music and film production.”