David & The Gladiators of The Batistes

And the beat goes on with Louisiana Hall of Famer, David Batiste on Saturday, February 19, 2022, in the line-up at Family Gras, a free music festival that took place two weeks in advance of Fat Tuesday.
“As we always say, ‘ music is healing’ and it’s great to be leading the way to getting back on track after two years of having the music scene in New Orleans impacted by the Pandemic,” said David Batiste. “It’s great to be a part of a festival paying tribute to Allen Toussaint and on the same bill as Marie Osmond, Sister Sledge, Girl Named Tom, Ann Wilson of Heart and others including the Batiste Brothers working to safely bring back the music.

Family Gras, just a few minutes from downtown New Orleans, yearly has had crowds surpassing 80,000 people. It will take place on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie across from Lakeside Shopping Center in NOLA’s suburbs. Held from Friday, February 18, through Sunday, February 20, Family Gras will include national and Louisiana arts, interactive games, New Orleans cuisine, kids’ entertainment, and a local art market.

“It’s a family affair in more ways than one,” said Damon Batiste, New Orleans Cultural Ambassador and Founder of NOSACONN, Inc. (New Orleans South Africa Connection). “My Dad’s Band, ‘David and the Gladiators’ and also my uncle Paul’s band, “The Batiste Brothers” are helping to bring back the fun and music.

Coming off a recent trip to South Africa (https://www.prlog.org/12896341-damon-batiste-of-nolas-roy...) his 82nd trip to Africa, the younger Batiste, will soon be on his way back to Africa in March to solidify sister city relationships between New Orleans and Durban, South Africa, and other sisters. “It’s like the original African beats of Congo Square that inspire me to make the connection between the motherland and New Orleans. Yes, the beat goes on as I work not only on culture and arts but tourism and trade to generate business,” added Batiste.