Musician, humanitarian, educator and bandleader Jon Batiste, along with restaurateur Will Guidara of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad Hotel, has announced the launch of a curated ‘Social Music’ residency, which will take place at New York City’s The NoMad Hotel this June. Presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred, Social Music at the NoMad is a week-long celebration of music, artistry and food that will kick off Tuesday, June 23, with transformative performances featuring Jon and his band Stay Human as well as special guests. Each day will offer a different, unique gathering in one of the hotel’s spaces and also a Social Music Mentoring Program (SMMP). Maybach Icons of Luxury, the German based luxury boutique, will be involved in the charity component of SMMP. Food for the performances will be by Chef Daniel Humm and Chef James Kent, with cocktails by Leo Robitschek.
Batiste has been devoted to bringing social music to the masses since forming his band Stay Human in New York City several years ago. In the spirit of New Orleans’ street parades, the group has frequently stepped out of venues to perform on the streets and in the subways to create a universal musical experience for everyone. Blending the highest level of virtuosity (all of them being Juilliard-trained musicians) with uplifting joy is what they are known for. Having exposed these curated events to cities around the globe, Batiste will now bring this expanded musical celebration to the city of New York.
Batiste explains, “The modern world is going through a cultural synthesis like never before. Social music is an artistic manifestation of that evolution focused on bringing people together to celebrate our contrasting cultures, ultimately revealing the common bonds that tie us together. When you're singing along, laughing, crying and dancing together, it's hard not to love the person that is standing next to you."
The Social Music Mentoring Program (SMMP) was created to engage the community and to create long-lasting multigenerational bonds while on tour. Through various collaborative projects, performances, master classes and events held in the community, Batiste, his band and guest artists such as Quincy Jones will mentor young people and guide them in discovering how they can use social music to enhance their own communities. No previous musical experience is necessary to participate in SMMP, just a curious mind and a desire to make a positive impact in their community.
Dates for the “Social Music Residency” are as follows:
Tuesday, June 23: NoMad Bar
Kickoff: Social Music Experience
Description: The first-ever Social Music Experience to initiate The NoMad Hotel Takeover by Batiste. Batiste and his band, Stay Human, will jam through the night atop the bar as spectators and revelers sing, dance and celebrate on the ground floor and balcony. Delicious food and drinks will be served.
Wednesday, June 24: NoMad Bar
Social Music Experience
Description: The night includes cocktails, bar bites from Chef Daniel Humm and Chef James Kent and then a party with Batiste and Stay Human.
Thursday, June 25: Johnston Room
Social Storytelling (For kids and teens)
Description: Edutainment tailored to the next generation, featuring storytelling and interactive performances by Batiste and Stay Human. Specifically crafted to feel like a celebratory musical gathering for the youth—a fun learning experience with snacks. Study after study shows that learning music is proven to increase children’s intelligence, so if you want smart kids, this is the event for you.
Friday, June 26: Johnston Room
Art, Thought And Social Music
Description: A night of music—up close and personal. Legendary musicians and talented professional performers will pop up unannounced to join Batiste and Stay Human on the bandstand. A night of dancers swingin’ through the place, while guests enjoy black truffle popcorn and craft cocktails.
Saturday, June 27: Rooftop
Ultimate Social Music Dance Party on the Roof
Description: An otherworldly celebration on the roof of the NoMad Hotel. With the skyline of Manhattan as the backdrop, expect a full-fledged Social Music celebration—a collaboration of professional dancers, and a groove that goes on until the late hours of the night.
Sunday, June 28: Rooftop
Sunday Brunch with Jon Batiste
Description: A combination of Bloody Mary’s, dancing and socializing. An indoor/outdoor Sunday brunch with new friends, food and Batiste. He and Stay Human will be joined by a vocal quartet and bluegrass string. If you like music, this event is for you. If you like people, this event is for you.
Monday, June 29: Eleven Madison Park
LOVE RIOT!
Description: Hosted by the highly coveted three-star Michelin restaurant, Eleven Madison Park—you’ll find celebrity guest artists and other surprises in store for the final event of the Social Music Residency. Exquisite cocktails, the music of New York City and the who’s who in attendance.
For more information, visit jonbatiste.com.
