On Saturday, March 16, an all-star lineup of Crescent City talent will descend to New York’s Brooklyn Bowl location to pay tribute to the late Russell Batiste Jr., who passed away on September 30, 2023. The impending night of music will feature George Porter Jr., & Runnin’ Pardners and others. 

The concert is slated to feature cuts from The Meters, Vida Blue, Papa Gros Funk, and other groups associated with the late drummer’s legacy and storied musical career. Apart from Porter and his band, the event will also see artists like Papa Gros Funk, Tracy Griffin, Mark Mullins, Cris Jacobs, Adam Deitch, and added special appearances.

Batiste’s rise aligned with his debut at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1978 alongside the Young Gifted & Black group, launching a career that eventually lead to a spot with the Funky Meters, the reincarnation of the original New Orleans funk band, The Meters, featuring George Porter Jr., Brian Stoltz and Art Neville, and other memorable opportunities. Read more.

Prior to the March 16 celebration at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl, the same cast of musicians will bring the tribute to Batiste to Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, Pa. For more information, follow this link.

Relix Presale is live from Wednesday, January 10 at 10 am through Thursday, January 11 at 11:59 pm (USE CODE; GPJRELIX). For more information, go here.