SING FOR HOPE BOARD MEMBER JON BATISTE TEAMS UP WITH HE GETS US TO BRING LOCAL ARTIST-DESIGNED SING FOR HOPE PIANOS TO NEW ORLEANS, FEBRUARY 4-20

Sing for Hope Pianos New Orleans 2025 Kick Off Big Game Weekend Reveal of He Gets Us Presents Jon Batiste's Love Riot Festival

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sing for Hope, in collaboration with the He Gets Us project, is announcing the launch of the Sing for Hope Pianos New Orleans 2025 initiative, marking the fourth consecutive year Sing for Hope has returned to The Big Easy. This project brings ten vibrant, local artist-designed Sing for Hope Pianos to the heart of New Orleans' Ninth Ward from February 4-20 in celebration of the cultural moment around the big game. Sing for Hope Board Member and New Orleans native Jon Batiste joins this collaborative effort to bring the joy of the arts to his hometown and inspire creative expression among all, with the ten Sing for Hope Pianos serving as a community invitation to the Feb. 8 He Gets Us Presents Jon Batiste's Love Riot Festival.

Sing for Hope and He Gets Us enlisted New Orleans-based StudioBE, and the nonprofit Eternal Seeds, to explore the theme of "selfless love" in the design of the pianos. Artists were encouraged to explore this concept through their designs and spark conversations and connections within the community. Each Sing for Hope Piano will feature original artwork created by New Orleans-based visual artists, transforming these instruments into stunning works that reflect the spirit of selfless love and the city's vibrant culture.

The Sing for Hope Pianos will be placed in their designated public locations throughout the 9th Ward on Feb. 4, ready to be played and enjoyed by all. On Feb. 8, the He Gets Us Presents Jon Batiste's Love Riot Festival will take place nearby on the grounds of George Washington Carver High School from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. including a performance by Jon Batiste, a Sing for Hope Piano designed by a local artist, and other special guests. This community event will celebrate the power of art and music to bring people together and inspire progress. The Sing for Hope Pianos will remain in their public locations through Feb. 20, inviting everyone to play, listen, and enjoy the beauty of the arts. Explore a map of the Sing for Hope Pianos New Orleans, open play times, and more at singforhope.org/pianos/new-orleans-2025.

"We bring these Sing for Hope Pianos to our shared streets and public spaces because the context of where you experience music can profoundly change you," said Jon Batiste. "Public sharing of art fosters and affirms community. It's what we need right now, what the world needs. And as a Sing for Hope board member, I love that we're celebrating in my hometown of New Orleans!"

Launched in New York City in 2010, the Sing for Hope Pianos program has become one of the world's largest annually recurring public arts programs. With over 700 uniquely designed pianos placed in public spaces worldwide, from the Bronx to Beirut, the program brings music and joy to communities around the globe. After Feb. 20, all ten Sing for Hope Pianos in the New Orleans installation will find permanent homes in local schools, healthcare facilities, and community-based centers around the 9th Ward.

"New Orleans is a city brimming with creativity and resilience, and we're thrilled to partner with our Sing for Hope board member Jon Batiste and collaborate with the He Gets Us project to bring the Sing for Hope Pianos to the Ninth Ward for the big game," said Monica Yunus, Sing for Hope Co-Founder. "These beautiful instruments will not only celebrate and shine a light on the spirit and community of the game but also offer moments of joy, connection, and artistic expression for the entire community."

"Music has the power to unite and heal, and we believe the Sing for Hope Pianos will create a shared experience for the entire community," added Camille Zamora, Sing for Hope Co-Founder. "We are grateful to He Gets Us and Jon for their support in making this project a reality."

The Sing for Hope Pianos program is made possible by The Sing for Hope Founders' Circle, including The International Foundation for Arts and Culture (Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Chairman, Sing for Hope Global Patron), The Arnhold Foundation in loving memory of Sissy and Henry Arnhold, The Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, The Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation, Jacqueline Novogratz & Chris Anderson, The Seedlings Foundation, Ann Ziff, and the generosity of donors like you.

For more information on Sing for Hope Pianos in New Orleans, artists, and locations, visit singforhope.org. To download hi-res images, please visit: singforhope.org/press.

About Sing for Hope
Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Our creative programs bring hope, healing, and connection to millions of people in hospitals, schools, care facilities, refugee camps, transit hubs, and community spaces worldwide. A non-profit organization founded in New York City in response to the events of 9/11, Sing for Hope partners with hundreds of community-based organizations, mobilizes thousands of artists in creative service, and produces artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos across the U.S. and around the world. The official Cultural Partner of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Sing for Hope champions art for all because we believe the arts have an unmatched capacity to uplift, unite, and heal. Learn more and join the movement at singforhope.org.

Contact: Jennifer Register [email protected], 515-708-0324
Contact: He Gets Us PR [email protected]

SOURCE Sing for Hope