Funk musician David Batiste will celebrate his 75th birthday with a balcony concert at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on Tuesday, September 27, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Legendary funk and soul band David Batiste and The Gladiators was formed back in 1962 by Batiste and his brothers. They became one of the founding groups of New Orleans funk-rock and have built an international cult following. The Gladiators, with David Batiste on keyboards and lead vocals, had a hit record in 1970 with Funky Soul Parts 1 & 2 on the Soulin’ Label and later with Instant Records.

The track has since been featured on compilations and is a fave of crate-digging dance DJs. In 1965, the band was a talent show winner at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater. Batiste also performed with the Meters as the keyboardist from 1977 to 1980 and performed on Saturday Night Live in 1977.

Today the Gladiators play diverse music and can jam on blues, jazz, country, straight-ahead rock, Cajun, and just about any style of music. They regularly perform in New Orleans at The House of Blues and Snug Harbor, among other venues. David’s son Russell Batiste is the drummer of The Funky Meters, and the Batistes regularly tour. They have appeared across the United States as well as in South Africa, Mexico, Europe, and Japan.

This event is in partnership with NOLAxNOLA. To check out other event listings, visit NOLAxNOLA.com.