Honoring a Jazz Legend: Troy Davis

The heartbeat of jazz is the rhythm that carries stories, souls, and sounds through time—and few drummers have kept that beat alive quite like Troy Davis. This spring, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge will honor Davis with the 2025 Alvin Batiste Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to jazz music in Louisiana and beyond.

The award presentation will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM during the River City Jazz Masters concert featuring the incomparable Sammy Figueroa, live at Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge.

Troy Davis has built a legacy that spans over three decades, performing with some of the most iconic names in jazz—Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Terence Blanchard, and Monty Alexander, to name a few. His style blends technical mastery with an unmistakable soulfulness, making him a true standout in the world of jazz drumming.

The Alvin Batiste Award—named after the legendary clarinetist and educator who helped shape Louisiana’s jazz identity—honors individuals who have made lifelong contributions to the art form. Davis joins a celebrated list of past recipients including Branford Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Johnny Vidacovich, and more.

Adding even more excitement to the evening, Sammy Figueroa will take the stage for a live performance following the award presentation. A percussionist of global acclaim, Figueroa has lent his talents to a diverse range of artists—from Miles Davis and David Bowie to Chaka Khan and Mariah Carey. His dynamic blend of jazz, Latin, and world music promises a performance that will move every member of the audience.

Don’t Miss It

This will be more than a concert—it’s a celebration of Louisiana’s rich jazz heritage, a tribute to a homegrown legend, and a night of unforgettable music.

Tickets are on sale now at the Manship Theatre box office or online.