Jon Batiste
Hollywood Bowl

The Batiste Dynasty and a New Orleans Upbringing

Understanding Jon Batiste means understanding where he comes from. The Batiste family has been a cornerstone of New Orleans music for more than a century. His father, Michael Batiste, is a bassist; his uncle, David Gauthier, played with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band; and numerous cousins and relatives have performed in brass bands, jazz ensembles, and church choirs throughout the city. Jon picked up the drums at age eight, switched to piano at eleven, and by his teenage years was already performing at jazz festivals. He entered Juilliard at seventeen and quickly distinguished himself as a prodigious talent whose interests extended far beyond the traditional jazz curriculum.

That New Orleans DNA — the second-line parades, the Sunday gospel services, the Mardi Gras Indians, the late-night jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street — runs through everything Batiste creates. Even when he is composing a film score or performing on network television, the rhythmic joy and communal spirit of his hometown remain the foundation. His Hollywood Bowl performance on September 27 will carry that energy to nearly 18,000 people seated under the stars in the Hollywood Hills, transforming a Los Angeles amphitheater into something that feels closer to a New Orleans block party than a conventional concert.

From Late Night Television to Grammy History

Batiste's role as bandleader on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert introduced him to millions of viewers who might never have encountered his music otherwise. Night after night, he and the Stay Human band delivered tight, joyful performances that ranged from jazz standards to pop covers to original compositions. But it was his work outside the studio that truly reshaped his career trajectory. The score for Pixar's Soul, co-composed with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, earned him an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe. His album We Are — a celebration of Black American music that traveled from jazz to funk to hip-hop to spoken word — swept the 2022 Grammys, winning five awards including the night's biggest prize.

What sets Batiste apart from other multi-hyphenate artists is the depth of his craft. He is not a dabbler — he is genuinely world-class in multiple disciplines. His classical piano technique can stand beside any conservatory graduate's. His songwriting bridges the intellectual and the accessible. His stage presence radiates an infectious warmth that makes audiences of any size feel like they are sharing a private moment. At the Hollywood Bowl, all of these dimensions will be on display simultaneously.

What to Expect at the KCRW Festival Finale

A Jon Batiste concert is not something you watch — it is something you participate in. His shows are kinetic, unpredictable, and deeply interactive. He has been known to leave the stage, walk through the crowd with a melodica, and lead spontaneous sing-alongs before returning to the piano for a virtuosic solo that leaves the room breathless. The setlists pull from across his entire catalog: the jubilant funk of "Freedom," the intimate piano balladry of "I Need You," the gospel-infused anthem "We Are," and deep cuts that showcase his jazz roots and classical training.

As the closing act of the 2026 Hollywood Bowl season, this performance carries extra weight. Season finales at the Bowl have a tradition of going big — extended sets, surprise guests, and a sense of occasion that elevates everything. Batiste, who thrives on exactly that kind of energy, is poised to deliver a show that sends fans home buzzing and marks a triumphant end to a spectacular summer of music in the Hollywood Hills.

Navigating the Hollywood Bowl on Show Night

The Hollywood Bowl sits at 2301 North Highland Avenue, nestled in a natural canyon that provides both stunning scenery and remarkable acoustics. For the September 27 KCRW Festival, here is how to make the most of your evening:

1. Plan your arrival early — Gates open well before the 7:30 PM showtime. Arriving early lets you explore the grounds, enjoy a picnic, and settle into your seats without rushing.
2. Choose your transportation — The Park and Ride shuttle from locations across LA is the easiest option. Rideshare drop-offs and the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Highland are also convenient alternatives to driving.
3. Bring layers — Late September evenings in Los Angeles start warm but can cool into the mid-60s by the end of the show. A light jacket ensures comfort through the encore.
4. Enjoy the picnic tradition — Pack food and beverages to enjoy before or during the performance, or visit the on-site dining options including the Backyard restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Jon Batiste performing at the Hollywood Bowl in 2026?

Jon Batiste headlines the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, September 27, 2026, as part of the KCRW Festival. The show begins at 7:30 PM and serves as the final Bowl-produced performance of the 2026 summer season. It is one of the most anticipated closers in recent Hollywood Bowl history, combining Batiste's genre-defying artistry with the prestige of a season-ending celebration.

What is the KCRW Festival at the Hollywood Bowl?

The KCRW Festival is an annual event curated by KCRW, the influential Los Angeles public radio station known for its eclectic and adventurous musical programming. The festival traditionally closes out the Hollywood Bowl's summer season and features artists who reflect KCRW's broad musical vision. Having Jon Batiste headline the 2026 edition underscores his stature as one of the most versatile and exciting performers in contemporary music.

How many Grammy Awards has Jon Batiste won?

Jon Batiste has won seven Grammy Awards from twenty-two career nominations. His most celebrated moment came at the 2022 ceremony, where his album We Are won Album of the Year along with four other awards. He has also won an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe for his score to the Disney-Pixar film Soul, making him one of the most decorated musicians of his generation across both recording and film.

What kind of music does Jon Batiste play?

Jon Batiste's music resists easy classification. His work draws from jazz, soul, gospel, funk, hip-hop, classical, Afrobeats, rock, and folk traditions, often within the same song or performance. He is a classically trained pianist with deep roots in New Orleans jazz and a fearless approach to genre-blending. His live shows are particularly dynamic, shifting seamlessly between tender piano ballads, full-band funk workouts, and audience-participatory moments that turn concert halls into communal celebrations.

Is this the last show of the 2026 Hollywood Bowl season?

Yes, the Jon Batiste KCRW Festival performance on September 27 is the final Bowl-produced event of the 2026 summer season. While the venue may host additional rentals or special events after this date, Batiste's show represents the official close of the season's curated programming. Season finales at the Hollywood Bowl carry a special energy, and this one promises to be a memorable send-off for a summer that featured some of the biggest names in music.

What was Jon Batiste's role on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert?

Jon Batiste served as the bandleader and musical director of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert beginning in 2015. In this role, he led the Stay Human band through nightly performances that showcased an extraordinary range of musical styles. The position introduced Batiste to a massive national television audience and provided a nightly platform for his infectious energy, improvisational skills, and genre-spanning musical knowledge.

How large is the Hollywood Bowl?

The Hollywood Bowl has a seating capacity of approximately 17,500, making it one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world. The venue features multiple seating sections including pool circle seats closest to the stage, orchestra boxes, terrace boxes, garden boxes, and bench seats ascending the hillside. Its distinctive bandshell and canyon setting have made it one of the most recognized and photographed performance venues on the planet since its opening in 1922.

Can I bring my own food to the Hollywood Bowl?

Yes, the Hollywood Bowl is famous for its picnic tradition. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own food, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Many fans arrive hours before showtime to set up elaborate picnic spreads on the surrounding grounds, creating a festive pre-show atmosphere. The venue also offers several on-site dining options for those who prefer to purchase food upon arrival, including a full-service restaurant and multiple concession locations throughout the property.

What should I know about parking at the Hollywood Bowl?

On-site stacked parking is available at the Hollywood Bowl but tends to fill up quickly for high-demand shows like the KCRW Festival. The most convenient alternative is the Park and Ride shuttle service, which operates from multiple locations across Los Angeles and delivers passengers directly to the venue entrance. Rideshare services have designated drop-off zones near the gates, and the Metro Red Line to Hollywood and Highland station connects to a free shuttle that runs up to the Bowl.

Who is in the Batiste musical family?

The Batiste family is one of the most prominent musical dynasties in New Orleans history, with roots in the city's brass band and jazz traditions spanning multiple generations. Jon's father Michael Batiste is a bassist, and numerous cousins, uncles, and relatives have performed in legendary New Orleans ensembles including brass bands and jazz groups. Growing up immersed in this rich musical heritage profoundly shaped Jon's artistic development and his approach to performance as a communal, joyful experience.

Are verified resale tickets available for Jon Batiste at the Hollywood Bowl?

Yes, verified resale tickets for the Jon Batiste KCRW Festival performance at the Hollywood Bowl on September 27 are available through our marketplace. All listings come from authenticated sellers offering tickets at competitive prices. Every transaction includes buyer protection, and the displayed price includes all fees with no hidden charges at checkout. Our secure platform makes it easy to browse sections, compare prices, and purchase with confidence.

What time does the Jon Batiste Hollywood Bowl show start?

The KCRW Festival featuring Jon Batiste at the Hollywood Bowl on September 27, 2026, begins at 7:30 PM. Gates typically open well before showtime, giving attendees ample opportunity to arrive early, explore the grounds, enjoy a picnic, and find their seats. Hollywood Bowl shows generally conclude by 10:00 to 10:30 PM, though season finales have been known to run slightly longer as artists embrace the celebratory atmosphere of closing night.