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.
UPCOMING SHOWS!
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UPCOMING SHOWS! •
Masakowski Family with Brian Blade
April 29, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
For this special Batiste Legacy Session, the renowned Masakowski musical family joins forces with Grammy-winning drummer Brian Blade for an unforgettable night of Louisiana-rooted jazz.
Led by guitarist and educator Steve Masakowski, the New Orleans-based ensemble features vocalist Sasha Masakowski, bassist Martin Masakowski, and a pianist—a family of masterful improvisers known for blending tradition with fearless creativity.
Joining them is Brian Blade, the Shreveport native whose dynamic, deeply expressive style has made him one of the most sought-after drummers in modern jazz, collaborating with legends from across the musical spectrum.
Roderick Harper: A Tribute to Alvin Batiste
May 20, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Acclaimed vocalist Roderick Harper returns to the stage for a heartfelt tribute to jazz legend Alvin Batiste. A former student and collaborator of Batiste, Harper honors his mentor with an evening of soulful jazz rooted in the New Orleans tradition.
Known for his smooth, expressive voice, Harper has performed with Ellis Marsalis, Jon Hendricks, Nicholas Payton, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, with recordings that have earned national and international acclaim.
Batiste Legacy Sessions 2026 Line-up
— Tickets coming soon!
June 17: George Bell with jam session*
July 15: Blues Night with Kenny Neal
August 26: 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
Mike Esneault
Director of Arts In Education
225.344.8558 ext. 229
mesneault@artsbr.org