Funky Nassau: Jon Batiste Celebrates Jazz, His New Orleans Roots, and Bahamian Music History at His First Jazz Club

Jon Batiste speaks with a passion that is as vibrant as the music he loves. Notes seem to dance through his words as he sings snippets of melodies while discussing his vision for his first jazz club. With enthusiasm and purpose, he shares his eagerness to collaborate with other musicians and create a space where the freedom and joy of music can flourish.

His goal is to craft something truly special—a venue where people can come together to embrace the rich music culture of the past while celebrating its enduring vitality. Nassau, Bahamas, was a deliberate choice for the club’s location, selected for its storied music history and its connection to Batiste’s own roots in New Orleans.

“There are so many musicians who are really in love with jazz music and in love with their culture and our shared culture,” Batiste explains. “There just hasn’t been a place for it to be showcased in the way of the days of old. You know, this was a hub for so many, and I think that it’s perfect in this world now where there’s so much connectivity. So many people are coming here from all around the world that you can create that real authentic hub for the culture and for the musicians, and then people can really experience the real deal. I’m very excited about that. It’s very much about relationships at the end of the day.”

Batiste’s admiration for Bahamian artists and musicians is evident in every detail of the club. He holds particular appreciation for his longtime friend, Bahamian trumpeter Giveton Gelin, and the extraordinary talent found throughout the country. The club itself is a testament to this respect, adorned with artwork by Bahamian creators and elements that reflect the nation’s rich musical heritage. During the grand opening, Batiste paid homage to Bahamian music by opening his set with a spirited rendition of the classic song “Funky Nassau.”

He also draws meaningful parallels between New Orleans and The Bahamas, noting the shared cultural spirit reflected in the passion and creativity of Mardi Gras and Junkanoo. For Batiste, these traditions are deeply rooted in the resilience and communal joy of their ancestors.

“The expression of our enslaved ancestors and the resilience of our people to find a way to express joy… To spend all year for one day is an expression of the importance of community because it shows that we can’t be bought. It’s something deeper than money, it’s deeper than fame, it’s deeper than one individual star or one person. And that’s the power of what our ancestral traditions have left us,” he shares.

As for what lies ahead, the Oscar and Grammy winner hinted at exciting new projects in the works. “I’m very, very excited about the new music that’s coming, and I’ve really been working on composing and doing a new album of songs [that is] bridging the high art world with pop culture,” he revealed.

Jon Batiste’s jazz club promises to be a cultural landmark, celebrating the enduring legacy of jazz while bridging the rich traditions of New Orleans and The Bahamas. Stay tuned for highlights from the grand opening of this remarkable venue, coming soon.

Photos courtesy of Baha Mar Resort