Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar: A Dazzling Celebration of Music, Culture, and Collaboration

The grand opening of Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar on January 27, 2025, marked the beginning of an exhilarating chapter in the cultural and musical history of The Bahamas. A star-studded event attended by music aficionados and celebrities alike, the night showcased the club’s innovative spirit, blending the vibrant history of Bahamian music with Jon Batiste’s signature New Orleans flair. Located at the heart of the Baha Mar resort, the venue's decor pays homage to the iconic music clubs of Nassau's past, such as The Cat and Fiddle and The Banana Boat, while celebrating modern artistry with a touch of Caribbean sophistication.

Opening night offered an unforgettable experience, setting the tone for what this club promises to deliver—a space where tradition meets innovation and collaboration thrives. The evening began with a swinging arrangement of the classic “Funky Nassau” medleyed seamlessly into Professor Longhair's “Big Chief,” a nod to the shared cultural rhythms of The Bahamas and New Orleans. Batiste and his ensemble closed the night with Duke Ellington's timeless “Caravan.”

The performances reflected Batiste’s vision for the club as a vibrant hub of collaboration and celebration. Vocalist JoJo (@iamjojo) captivated the crowd with her stirring renditions of “Round Midnight,” “Never Will I Marry,” and “A Night in Tunisia,” her rich tones blending effortlessly with the band. Ray Emmanuel (@rayemmanuel) surprised the audience with a performance alongside the club’s expertly arranged horns, drums, and strings, embodying the spirit of improvisation that jazz thrives upon. Throughout the evening, New Orleans’ own Nolajuice (@nolajuice) and his brass band provided lively interludes to keep the night fun as attendees danced throughout the evening.

Among the night's standout moments was the performance by Bahamian trumpeter Giveton Gelin (@giveton), a beloved figure in the local music scene. His performance underscored the club's mission to honor Bahamian talent while embracing the global jazz community. The atmosphere struck a delicate balance between luxury and the inviting warmth of an informal jam session, with musicians and audience members equally engaged in the joyous interplay of sound.

The club’s design reflects its commitment to cultural celebration and luxury. With a sumptuous interior created by the renowned design firm Gensler, the space incorporates rich stone, decorative metalwork, and Bahamian artwork, creating an immersive environment steeped in local history. The VIP rooms, named after Nassau's legendary venues, feature historical paraphernalia that ties the present-day club to its storied predecessors. A towering 11-foot LED screen at the entrance adds a modern touch, inviting guests to step into a world where tradition and innovation meet.

Batiste’s vision extends beyond music to culinary artistry. The menu offers a fusion of Caribbean and New Orleans flavors.

Reflecting on the club, Jon Batiste shared his passion for bridging cultures through music. “This space is about relationships, about joy, about bridging worlds,” he said. “We’re honoring the rich traditions of The Bahamas and New Orleans while creating something new for the next generation of music lovers.”

The opening set the stage for a venue poised to become a cultural landmark, inviting guests from around the globe to experience the essence of jazz in an extraordinary setting.

As the evening drew to a close, the band led a jubilant encore, processing out into the night while playing, dancing, and carrying the audience along in a communal celebration of music. This high-energy conclusion embodied the ethos of Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club: a place where music brings people together, bridges worlds, and celebrates the enduring power of collaboration and creativity.

Photos courtesy of Baha Mar.