Musician/Composer Jon Batiste to perform at Biden White House's 1st State Dinner

Who dat? It’s New Orleans native Jon Batiste — soon to be onstage at the White House.

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden have tapped the Grammy and Oscar-winning singer and bandleader as the musical performer for their first official state dinner. So says the first lady’s press secretary, Vanessa Valdivia.

This means that when French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, show up as the honored guests for a day of diplomacy, followed by a lavish dinner and dancing on Thursday, they’ll be in for a true New Orleans-style get down. No word yet on whether Batiste will hop on any tables, as he did to Billie Eilish’s delight at this year’s Grammys, but he probably will be serenading Macron with his hit song “Freedom” and a joyous parade of trumpets, tambourines, and a mouth-piano.

Valdivia describes Jon Batiste as, “An artist who transcends generations. His music inspires and brings people together. We’re thrilled to have him perform at the White House for the first state dinner of the Biden-Harris Administration,” the first lady's spokesperson said to the Washington Post.

Photo courtesy CBS/Grammy Awards