Jon Batiste in Bern - Concert Photos

Another day, another concert – this time it was the incredibly talented Jon Batiste who took the stage in Bern. The sold-out show took place in the stunning Casino Bern, a venue that offered an elegant yet intimate setting for the evening.

For those unfamiliar, Jon Batiste is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician known not only for his solo work but also for being the former bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The way he blends jazz, blues, gospel, and soul is super special. He is a musical genius in my eyes and his stage presence is *chefskiss*

A Mixed Crowd and a Tense Atmosphere

The room at Casino Bern was packed to the last seat. If I had to guess, the average age was probably 40+, but there were quite a few younger attendees as well — even a couple of kids in the crowd. I love when they teach the young ones early 😀 With a short delay, Jon Batiste made his entrance shortly after 8 p.m. The room was almost entirely dark, with a single spotlight on him, creating an incredibly intense and focused atmosphere. It was hot — both in temperature and tension. Even before the show began, loud “Shhhh’s” echoed through the room. Why? I don’t know… 😀

While I absolutely understand we’re all there to enjoy the music, it’s still a room full of people (and the show hasn’t even started?!). If you can’t handle a little surrounding noise, maybe a concert isn’t your ideal night out. And to clarify, I’m not talking about disruptive behavior — no yelling or loud chatting, just the typical light hum of anticipation…

Musical Genius and Emotional Highs

Jon Batiste’s performance was, in one word, incredible. You could literally feel his energy shoot through the room. While we got to witness his musical brilliance on the piano, what stood out to me were his little “teachings” about the blues — insightful and soulful. He delivered a unique mix of music, from iconic pieces like Für Elise (with a special Batiste-flavored twist), to originals like Cry, which carried a strong political message and stirred real emotion throughout the venue.

One of the highlights was a truly beautiful rendition of What a Wonderful World. A perfect way to close out the first part of the evening. The second half brought even more phenomenal music, and a fun little interlude featuring Jon on what I believe is called a melodica, adding a playful touch to the otherwise more emotional setlist.

A Night to Remember – Even with the Heat

All in all, the night was fantastic. Yes, the heat was almost unbearable, and sure — there were a few odd, bitter audience members (who really gets annoyed by a smartwatch lighting up a couple of times or people standing when the artist literally asks them to?!). But despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this concert as a music lover. As a photographer, maybe not as much 😂With only one spotlight and shooting from the side of FOH, let’s just say the photos are… underwhelming 😄. But hey, I did what I could! This show was definitely a new experience — intimate, moving, and filled with raw talent. Jon Batiste brought something truly special to Bern, and I’m so glad I got to be there to witness it.