I love Suleika Jaouad. Her book, Between Two Kingdoms, is a must read. Both her husband and she are soul-tending people. America is lucky to have them. His buoyancy is hard won.
Jon Batiste is the best example of an upbeat energy in challenging times that I can think of. My wife played his “Freedom” video so many times back then that I got tired of it—but only because we’re not built to live on a diet of one thing. I’m about to find that video again. We need all the hopefulness we can get right now!
And he played the National Anthem at a State Dinner at the Biden White House, and to my chagrin, I don't think the First Lady (who introduced him) knew anything about him. She was reading from notes. His 92 year old grandfather attended! #MusicIsAHealingForce
She may not do well in crowds as a speaker and did not want to do a Trump! Such as pronounce his name incorrectly or forget important facts. Compare Jill to Melania and then complain. Or did you want to let us know you were at a State Dinner.
I replied to this. If you invite a guest who’s that well known, the subject of an award winning documentary with his wife; who won 7 Grammies in one night, do a little research. Have the grand piano open (and tuned). Know the family history. I’m no fan of Melania. I did not attend the State dinner. 🙄
Introduced to Jon Batiste on Stephen Colbert s show. A latecomer to Mr. Batiste's genius. I miss seeing him regularly! Thank you for sharing your joy filled experience.
“You’ve got to be true, you’ve got to be authentic,” he said. “That’s the thing you’ve been given in this world. And if you put it out there, without fear, it’s going to change some peoples’ lives to let them know they can do that.” This is all and ever what we must insist on from our politicians. They need to learn how to dance to the music of the people, to show fearlessness in the face of evil. John Batiste's music comes from that deep longing we all have to be free, to be whole, to be loved. Thank you for writing about the concert. Balm for the tortured soul.
Jon captured the joy of my beloved New Orleans as well as anybody ever has. We get kicked down on a regular basis, but damned if we don't get back up grinning every time. Lots of problems in our state and city but there's always something to make us smile and lower our heads and keep trudging forward. Mardi Gras Indians parading on Fat Tuesday, second lines during a funeral procession. There's always joy to follow the heartbreak.
I just watched the Freedom video and, even though I’m lying in bed my feet were dancing with the beat and a big smile on my face! Hate to date myself but I grew up in the 60’s and am not too familiar with the current music scene. But Jon Batiste is wild good!
A phenomenal joyful artist. The best of what we can be.
Thank you for this rare glimpse of happiness in spite of the hateful world some people are working on.
I love Suleika Jaouad. Her book, Between Two Kingdoms, is a must read. Both her husband and she are soul-tending people. America is lucky to have them. His buoyancy is hard won.
Optimism and happiness in tough times is not a weakness. They are our lifeboats.
Yes, we can.
Yes, we will!
Jon Batiste is the best example of an upbeat energy in challenging times that I can think of. My wife played his “Freedom” video so many times back then that I got tired of it—but only because we’re not built to live on a diet of one thing. I’m about to find that video again. We need all the hopefulness we can get right now!
It never disappoints.
There’s a link to the video in the story.
Read this just at the right moment.
Thank you for sharing Steven.
By the way, great photo!
Jon Baptist: “”No matter how dark it gets,” he said last night, “I know: We can win. We can win. We can win.””
“Yes, we can. Let’s not lose sight of the good and motivated people in our country who remain committed to creativity, diversity, inclusion—and joy.”
💙💙🎶🇺🇸🎶💙💙
And he played the National Anthem at a State Dinner at the Biden White House, and to my chagrin, I don't think the First Lady (who introduced him) knew anything about him. She was reading from notes. His 92 year old grandfather attended! #MusicIsAHealingForce
She may not do well in crowds as a speaker and did not want to do a Trump! Such as pronounce his name incorrectly or forget important facts. Compare Jill to Melania and then complain. Or did you want to let us know you were at a State Dinner.
I replied to this. If you invite a guest who’s that well known, the subject of an award winning documentary with his wife; who won 7 Grammies in one night, do a little research. Have the grand piano open (and tuned). Know the family history. I’m no fan of Melania. I did not attend the State dinner. 🙄
Bringing love and joy through the best artistry. What a beautiful world. I am grateful we live to see these talented people.
Introduced to Jon Batiste on Stephen Colbert s show. A latecomer to Mr. Batiste's genius. I miss seeing him regularly! Thank you for sharing your joy filled experience.
“You’ve got to be true, you’ve got to be authentic,” he said. “That’s the thing you’ve been given in this world. And if you put it out there, without fear, it’s going to change some peoples’ lives to let them know they can do that.” This is all and ever what we must insist on from our politicians. They need to learn how to dance to the music of the people, to show fearlessness in the face of evil. John Batiste's music comes from that deep longing we all have to be free, to be whole, to be loved. Thank you for writing about the concert. Balm for the tortured soul.
Imagine political leaders like that. Thanks, Robin.
Nothing beats living in NYC and attending a Central Park concert in the summer….
Cover positive stories, like this concert by JB, all you want!
Thank you for this. We all need some encouragement.
Jon captured the joy of my beloved New Orleans as well as anybody ever has. We get kicked down on a regular basis, but damned if we don't get back up grinning every time. Lots of problems in our state and city but there's always something to make us smile and lower our heads and keep trudging forward. Mardi Gras Indians parading on Fat Tuesday, second lines during a funeral procession. There's always joy to follow the heartbreak.
I just watched the Freedom video and, even though I’m lying in bed my feet were dancing with the beat and a big smile on my face! Hate to date myself but I grew up in the 60’s and am not too familiar with the current music scene. But Jon Batiste is wild good!