Musicians pay tribute to renowned drummer during NOLA Funk Fest
A musical tribute to renowned drummer Russell Batiste Jr. is held during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. Batiste, who was scheduled to perform at the fest, died September 30, of a heart attack. The three-day fest featured live music, food and arts. NOLA Funk Fest is the inaugural public event of the Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, a proposed music museum along the Mississippi riverfront.
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Gregg Molinario, center, plays lead guitar during a musical tribute to renowned drummer Russell Batiste Jr. during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, on Oct. 22, 2023.
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Percussionist Reggie Green plays conga drums during a musical tribute to renowned drummer Russell Batiste Jr. during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. Batiste, who played with Green, was scheduled to perform at the fest but died of a heart attack on September 30. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
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SweetTee Batiste, who is married to a younger brother of renowned percussionist Russell Batiste Jr., dances to the music during a musical tribute to drummer during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.
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The artist known as Frenchy paints a portrait of renowned percussionist Russell Batiste Jr. during a musical tribute to drummer during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.
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The crowd listens to the music during a tribute to renowned drummer Russell Batiste Jr. during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.
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A collection of musicians perform during a tribute to renowned drummer Russell Batiste Jr. during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.
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A festgoer snaps an old-school photo during a musical tribute to renowned drummer Russell Batiste Jr. during the inaugural NOLA Funk Fest on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. Batiste, who was scheduled to perform at the fest, died September 30, of a heart attack. The three-day fest featured live music, food and arts. NOLA Funk Fest is the inaugural public event of the Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, a proposed music museum along the Mississippi riverfront. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)