Jon Batiste performs at US president Joe Biden’s first state dinner

The event included appearances from other famous faces including Ariana DeBose, Jennifer Garner and Anna Wintour.
Jon Batiste performs at US president Joe Biden’s first state dinner

By Mike Bedigan, PA Los Angeles Correspondent

Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste gave a rousing performance at US president Joe Biden’s first White House state dinner.

The event, which included appearances from other famous faces including Ariana DeBose, Jennifer Garner and Anna Wintour, took place on Thursday.

United States France
Batiste attended the event with his wife wife Suleika Jaouad, as well as members of his family (Susan Walsh/AP)

French president Emmanuel Macron was honoured at the event, which also aimed to highlight long-standing ties between the United States and France.

Batiste, 36, attended the event with his wife wife Suleika Jaouad, as well as members of his family.

United States France
Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose (Susan Walsh/AP)

Earlier this year he won five Grammy Awards at the 64th annual ceremony, including the top prize of best album for We Are.

Vanessa Valdivia, a spokesperson for First Lady Jill Biden, whose office oversaw dinner preparations, previously said the White House was “thrilled” to have Batiste perform.

United States France
Late night talk show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert (Susan Walsh/AP)

“An artist who transcends generations, Jon Batiste’s music inspires and brings people together,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to have him perform at the White House for the first state dinner of the Biden-Harris administration.”

United States France
Vogue editor-in-chief Wintour was accompanied by Elvis director Baz Luhrmann (Susan Walsh/AP)

Batiste most recently was bandleader and musical director of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, leaving the broadcast after a seven-year run.

Colbert also attended the dinner with his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert, as did Chrissy Teigen and her husband John Legend.

United States France
Chrissy Teigen, left, and John Legend arrive for the State Dinner (Susan Walsh/AP)

Vogue editor-in-chief Wintour was accompanied by Elvis director Baz Luhrmann, while other famous faces included Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose.

Fellow US actress Jennifer Garner attended the event with her daughter Violet Affleck, who she shares with Ben Affleck.

United States France
Actress Jennifer Garner arrives with her daughter Violet Affleck at the White House (Susan Walsh/AP)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus also attended the dinner with her own son, actor Charlie Hall.

More in this section

Five new books to read this week Five new books to read this week
Corinne Bailey Rae on juggling work and motherhood: ‘It’s definitely a challenge’ Corinne Bailey Rae on juggling work and motherhood: ‘It’s definitely a challenge’
Daisy Edgar-Jones recalls relief of endometriosis diagnosis Daisy Edgar-Jones recalls relief of endometriosis diagnosis

Sponsored Content

The power of the G licence The power of the G licence
Happy couple receiving new house keys from real estate agent Time to get to grips with changes in rental laws
Boatbuilder turned engineer proves alternative paths can lead to success Boatbuilder turned engineer proves alternative paths can lead to success
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more