It must be a mixed bag to land a gig as a late-night TV bandleader. On one hand, it’s an elite club, a sweet paycheck and a chance to connect with a potentially huge audience. On the other, you’re never allowed to show what you can really do. Fans of Late Night with Stephen Colbert will easily recognize Batiste, who fronts the Colbert house band. They may not know that Batiste has been part of the next generation of musicians steeped in the rich culture of New Orleans jazz and R&B. His 2018 record Hollywood Africans is a good place to start.
Jon Batiste
Sat, 7:30pm, $35+
Bing Concert Hall, Stanford