Jonathan Batiste

Jon and his band are outstanding. Their intensity, musicality, and sense of humor were exceptionally enjoyable. What was _not_ enjoyable was their desire to get most of the audience up on stage preforming "social music" with them after the intermission. The next 20 minutes essentially ruined the evening for my introverted family. (And, no, we are not especially strong introverts; we simply did not come prepared to be dragged on stage to sing and pick at instruments we have no experience with, thanks). Oddly enough, my family was really loving the event BEFORE all the miserable, miserable "fun." A few others in town described feeling "bullied" onto stage. I would say "pressured" was more accurate. We all kind of resented it though, and there's a certain sad irony in the fact that the band's strategy for sharing "social music, love and joy" actually makes some audience members experience awkwardness, isolation, unhappiness and even resentment. It shows that the band is young and a bit self-centered in its idealism. True social harmony requires empathy for individuals with temperaments different from ones own. I know extroverts believe that introverts are just waiting to be rescued from their shell, so they can finally embrace the joie de vivre. In fact, panic attacks are never joyful, and my family only feels panic when asked on stage to sing & play instruments out-of-the-blue. Should we just loosen up and have fun? Probably, but the temperaments we've had since birth are unlike to spontaneously rewire in a stressful situation, no matter how fun you believe it is. And is there no room in "social music" for introverts? If not, then it's a very limited society.

I was concerned that there was not a huge turnout to welcome this group, but we had front row seats to a talented group of young men who were so at ease and welcoming...true to their theme of music for everyone. The music was upbeat and creative and each member had his time to shine. The band came and sat right on the edge of the stage for a couple of songs, like having them in your living room! They also invited about half the audience to come onstage and join in for an extended musical jam. They are a great show-catch them if they play near you!

Fantastic energy, great variety of songs, extremely talented Saxophonist, wonderful rapor with audience, great crowd, awesome entry and use of space. A completely satisfying evening. Can't wait to get my tickets for their Carnegie show in October. Would recommend everyone to see them of all ages.

Absolutely fantastic show, best I've seen in NYC! Felt like I was at Mardi Gras!

Show was beyond amazing, Jon and the Stay human band are incredible

I am a huge fan of Jonathan Batiste...but I was very disappointed by a few things. The Bowery Ballroom reserved every table up in the balcony, essentially making the 2nd level into a private party...so, nowhere to see the band from above! The musicians came late and didn't start playing until almost 10 pm for an 8 pm show. Close enough for jazz, as they say? Maybe, but it was a pain on a weeknight...some of us have day jobs :(

What an amazing, entertaining, riveting, and captivating evening. Thank you for taking us to a place where we all want to go, never want to leave, and daydream about regularly. It was exciting, energizing, and playful. I am not a musician, but during your concert, I felt like I was transported to a world that belonged only to the masters -- a secret world of jam sessions and intimate musical moments. It was art! It was life.

Wow wow wow... why isn't this guy more famous. So much musical talent.

Every time I see a show with Jonathan Batiste and the Stay Human Band I think that it cannot be topped, and I am always wrong. The show at the Bowery Ballroom was the most amazing show I've seen by the group. They just get better and better. If you ever get a chance to see these talented and creative musicians, don't hesitate. Good music, good people, good fun. STAY HUMAN.