Batiste added to musical line-up for the Nola Downtown Music And Arts Festival

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Russell Batiste, Jamal Batiste, and Ryan Batiste from one of New Orleans' most prolific musical families; the Batiste Brothers (the Batiste Brothers is a Register Trademark with the Federal Government owned by Paul. A. Batiste, band leader of Batiste Brothers Band) will perform on Friday, September 23 following the Stephanie Jordan Big Band under the name Batiste NOW at the nola Downtown Music and Arts Festival.

Music Business Institute (MBI) earlier released its lineup of musical acts for this Festival which takes place September 23 - 24, 2011 in the historic Lafayette Square in New Orleans. The festival is part of this year's 19th Annual Cutting Edge CE (formerly the Cutting Edge Music Business Conference and Roots Music Gathering) conference which runs from September 21 - 24 at the Pan American Conference and Media Center on Poydras and St. Charles Avenue.

David Russell Batiste, Jr., whose father David Batiste; the leader of David Batiste and the Gladiators has been credited by many with being one of the country's most pioneering funk bands. Since early 60's, David Sr. have also been a member of Batiste Bros.

Russell began playing drums at age four and began sitting in with the family band at age seven. He was playing saxophone in the school band by fifth grade and can now hold his own on keyboards, trumpet, bass and guitar. He attended St. Augustine High School and was a member of the nationally known Marching One Hundred Band, playing in the drum section and writing cadences that are still heard during Mardi Gras parade season. He attended Southern University of New Orleans on a music scholarship, studying under the renown Edward "Kidd" Jordan.

Russell left collage after two years when he began traveling with the Charmaine Neville Band until 1989 when he joined with Art Neville and George Porter Jr. of the Meters and guitarist Brian Stoltz to form the Funky Meters. Russell was with George Porter and the Runnin' Pardners for many years and has played with a wide variety of performers including Harry Connick, Jr., Champion Jack Dupree, Robbie Robertson, Maceo Parker as well as local and regional bands too numerous to mention. Along with Vida Blue and his own band, Russell Batiste and the Orchestra from da Hood, he continues to play with the Funky Meters and is an integral part of Poppa Grows Funk, a fast-rising original funk band from New Orleans.

Russell Batiste and the Orchestra from Da Hood is Russell's own project and he is currently working on a second CD. The core band is eight members strong but at different times the group may grow to include as many as twelve or more. All the music is written and arranged by Russell, including all of the intricate horn parts. The band plays all types of music including straight ahead and smooth jazz, funk, reggae, rock and even a Cajun-flavored waltz dedicated to his grandfather who hails from Cajun country.

Jamal Batiste began his musical career at the early of age of 3. At the age of 5, he made his first debut in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. At the age of 7 he was hand-picked by Quincy Jones as the drummer for the "Big Time TV" band filmed in New Orleans. This was a forerunner as he moved on to the big stages in South Africa, Morocco, Japan, Europe where he share the stage with Bonnie Raitt, and in the states New York, California, Chicago, Atlanta, just to name a few. After earning a Bachelor's degree in jazz studies from the University of New Orleans, he formed Jam-All.

Their new hit single and video, "Just Do You, " is making a major buzz via YouTube and internet radio, their distinctive gumbo of gospel, r&b, rock, soul, rap, and funk is the perfect recipe for inspiring and mesmerizing fans of all ages. Raw energy, musical prowess, and uncompromising character are just a few of the traits that have garnered the band high acclaim; not only from fans in their native New Orleans but also from their international fan base as well.
In 2009, they made their official debut at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on the Gentilly Stage introducing their sound to thousands of fans. Since then they have shared the stage with major artists such as Trombone Shorty, Mystikal, Drake, Lloyd, Asher Roth, Tamia, Goapele, and many more. Recently, they have worked with The Ghetto Twinz (Rap-A-Lot), and international artists such as Zamajobe (Sony BMG South Africa) and a host of others. Whether it's on stage, on the air, or online, you too can experience what fans worldwide already know. Jam-All is: Music for Your Soul!

Drummer, Percussionist & Pianist Ryan Batiste is a proud product of NOCCA, Louis Armstrong "Satchmo" Summer Band Camp and a current student in Dillard University's Music Program. The seasoned 18 year old son of David Batiste, Sr. began playing drums at 3years old. In his journey he was taught by and performed with musical giants including George Duke, Bobby Sanabria, Chico Hamilton, Candido Camero and a host of other artist.

Ryan has recorded with David Batiste and Gladiators, and post Katrina had the opportunity to participate in a musical program at White House. Ryan was selected as part of a New Orleans Cultural Teen Sensation Delegation as pre kick-off entertainment to the World Cup in South Africa.

Traveling throughout the United States and Mexico, Ryan has performed demonstrating his talent on the drums and keyboard. He composes and performs original pieces for his band; Raw Revolution and other local artist. Ryan teaches music at Batiste Cultural Arts Academy. On scholarship at Dillard University as a Music Industry major, he continues to study his craft.

Damon Batiste, the CEO and Founder for New Orleans Arts and Education Initiative as well as Co Founder of Batiste Cultural Arts Academy in Partnership with ReNew Charter Management says, "if there is a stage and a microphone around, one could be assured that other members of the Batiste family is sure to join in for a jam session. That's the way it is at home, and that is what we expect at the nola Downtown Festival."

Damon has been involved in the Music Business & Cultural Wellness Projects around the globe for over 30 years. He is the Founder, President & Cultural Ambassador for the New Orleans South Africa Connection. He has traveled over 60 times on many business initiatives to South Africa since 1998. His efforts are focused on establishing economic development through Education, Trade, Music, Art & Tourism in both the USA and South Africa. Damon J. Batiste was the driving force behind South Africa's 10th Anniversary celebration in 2004 in the USA. He was involved with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since 1990 and Essence Music Festival since 1996 as a Producer.

Damon adds that, "I am most proud of the times I have been able to perform with my entire family, particularly the opportunities Russell and I spent performing during the 80's & 90's as member of the Batiste Brothers. All Family members still find time to perform together for private functions and special community project and this festival seems perfect for getting as many of us together on stage as possible."

The free festival will feature local, national, and international acts from places as far as Canada, London, and Guadeloupe. featuring various genre of music; including other showcase performances from the Stephanie Jordan Big Band (New Orleans); Brass-A-Holics “Gogo Brass Funk” Band; Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band (Zyedeco); Grand Baton (Creole Rock); Frankie Ford & Friends (Indie Rock); One Vision One Voice (School Funk); Gospel Soul Children (Gospel); Rebel Society (Latin Rock); Austin Urban Rhythm and Blues Revue; Fire Bug (Indie Rock); Black Market Butchers (Rock); Tanya Boutte (Jazz/R&B); Marlon Jordan (Jazz); and Davis “The Real DJ Davis” Rogan (New Orleans Jazz Funk) whom HBO writer producer David Simon based a character on for the HBO Treme series.

The conference brings together established and aspiring entertainment professionals from across the country; including ASCAP and BMI led panels consisting of “crash courses” and “hot topic” which provide proficiency within the music and film industry. Taking place in the Central Business District and the Warehouse Arts District the festival also celebrates the revival of Downtown New Orleans.

Some of the noted conference speakers include National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Chairman Darryl B. Cohen, producer of the Primetime Emmy Awards; Tour:Smart’s author Martin Atkins; London’s Tony Moore; Bad Boy South Records’ Rico Brooks; and Island Def Jam Music Group’s Senior Vice President Jonathan McHugh among others.

Performances will include NewWorks Showcases for new and emerging artists seeking special exposure to record executives, booking agents, managers and the media. In addition to day time exposure, showcases of all styles of music are arranged in the evening at nightclubs and other venues. Musical groups scheduled to participate in these showcases include, A. Levy (New Orleans); Alex Berger (London); Andrea Bush (New Orleans); Andy Macintyre (Pflugerville); Anita Maj (London); Black Magnolia (Harahan); Black Market Butchers (New Orleans); Brass-A-Holics "Gogo Brass Funk" Band (New Orleans); Charlie Wooton Band (Lafayette); Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band (Lafayette); Copper Box (Oshkosh); Davis Rogan (New Orleans); Dixie Rose (Baton Rouge); Dr Drew (New Orleans); Drastik (Austin); Frankie Ford & friends (New Orleans); Fire Bug (Los Angeles); Fluid (Hammond); Grand Baton (Guadeloupe); GG & Friends (Atlanta); Gospel Soul Children (New Orleans); Henry Turner and the Flavor Band (Baton Rouge); Hi-Lyfe Band (Slidell); Hollywood Al (Houston); HOMEMADESOUL (Niceville); Human Groove Hormone (Denton); Green Demons (Lafayett

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