Poetry on the Porch with @tankandthebangas isn't just a love letter to New Orleans, It's a love letter to community and the stories we all share. I have never known any artist that consistently uses their platform (quiet literally sharing the stage) to make space for others, to uplift others, to encourage creatives from young artists to mentors. It's Magic in a beautiful bottle. Special moments that are not replicable. To hear the stories and see the impact. It's a blessing.
Another Poetry on the Porch in the most magical of secret gardens is right around the corner, and I find myself playing with 'my art' as I day dream. These nights are some of my favorites. Intimate. Soulful. Alive. How the air moves at just the right moment. Making the space even more alive. Poetry on the Porch is a balm. I highly encourage you to check it out. It's absolute magic. Your heart and soul will thank you.
Throwback to February with @tankandthebangas in OKC. I've had the privilege of following these amazing musicians and when I say You MUST see them in concert... I mean it. Get yourself to a show. They are releasing their next album later this month and tour is gonna be 🔥!
On another note....I'm most comfortable behind the scenes (couch couch a camera) promoting others.... Which means it's so hard for me to promote any of my work. But here's to challenging myself to stay on it and share the work. Thankful always for opportunities to work with amazing people. To say I love this crew feels like an understatement.
41... You were beautiful, wild, crazy, and healing. Long drives and extra long nights. Full of new friends and stories from the road. Art communities that made me feel safe and free. To the husband that has always supported my wild music loving heart and my kiddos who give me more support and love than I deserve ... Thank you. To the bands who let me tag along, snap photos, and trust me enough with their stories - you heal my heart with your music more than you know. It's truly a gift. To the friends - who were there in many various ways- I love you. Here's to another year. To 42. Welcome, let's see what surprises you have in store. And if you ask... I'll tell you everything... Almost. Cheers and thanks for all the bday love this past month and all the love along the way. And to those I've met on the road (new and old)... Thank you for your stories, kindness, and friendship.
Happy belated 21st anniversary and Valentine's babe. I'm criminally late / avoidance tendencies when it comes to socials. But luckily our relationship is not dependent or bound on what is shown. Thanks for always showing up. Being a light of love and laughter. I'm so thankful for you and getting to do life together.
Starting off the year with the same crew I ended this past year with. What a joy. I never take these days for granted. Poetry on the porch with @tankandthebangas is an intimate and authentic time of community and creativity. I always leave better than I arrived and encouraged. It was an incredible night full of amazing talent. Local poets, friends, artists, and those who traveled from afar joined the stage. There were impromptu readings and new friendships made. Truly a night of community and such a beautiful example of how music and art brings us together.
I never take it for granted... Being able to witness friends do incredible work. If I've learned one thing this year it's that you can be a multitude of things at the same time. @alva_leigh 's new album wilderness is a beautiful snapshot of this. From the Mississippi delta to Chattanooga, TN, what an awesome time it was following around two mom-pop bands in their minivan having the best time. Thank you for always being up to me just tagging along and documenting. Grab her new album or check her out at a show. Link in bio.
I don't know what I'm gonna do without her. I've dreaded this day for years. The queen. Bossy pants magee. None other like her. She's been through it all with me and has watched over my babes like they were her own. Attitude beyond compare. My OG. Nap buddy. My spirit dog. Wait for me bebe. I'll see ya on the other side.
My first love is photographing music. Seeing people do what they were meant to do and the joy it brings has always made my heart sing. As an artist it’s hard to put yourself out there. You try and again and again. And eventually your people find you. Forever grateful for the opportunity to photograph these amazing people. Thanks for taking a chance on me. Forever in your corner. Music heals. Music changes. Music inspires. #tankandthebangas
Not how I thought my year would start. But for those that know me, maybe it seems fitting. I had a media pass and no camera. Thanks to @annmaddenphotography coming in clutch with a loaner, I was able to live out a dream. It was electric. It was joy and one of my favorite days. The stories I gathered that day left me changed and for the better. I hope it’s not the last time but no matter what I’ll always cherish that day. It was a love riot festival, no doubt. #jonbatiste #loveriotfestival #teambatiste
Another year. Another birthday. I'm so thankful for you and the way you live out kindness and love daily. amazing father to our girls. Amazing husband. Patient. Kind. Generous. Servant heart And a bit of a dog hog. I love getting to do life with you. Here's to a double digit that's a double even.. if that makes sense. Forever young. Thanks for putting up with my shenanigans,always being my ride or die, and doing the laundry plus so much more. You are a saint.
