Bassist, composer, bandleader and educator Roland Guerin is the recipient of the 2026 Alvin Batiste Hall of Distinction Award.
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge recognized Guerin at the conclusion of the final concert of this season’s River City Jazz Masters series, Vincent Herring’s “Something Else!”.
The award honors a performer or educator for a “lifetime contribution and cultivation of jazz music in the state of Louisiana.” It’s named for clarinetist and educator Batiste, whose influence helped shape generations of musicians and the modern jazz community in Louisiana and beyond, the Arts Council states.
Roland Guerin
New Orleans-based Guerin, also a singer-songwriter and arranger, has spent decades building an internationally respected career rooted in innovation, storytelling and musical excellence. Raised in a deeply musical family, Guerin began playing bass at age 11 and drew inspiration from jazz, rock, R&B, blues, folk and zydeco traditions that continue to shape his singular sound today.
While studying marketing at Southern University, Guerin joined Batiste’s groundbreaking ensemble, The Jazztronauts, where he absorbed many of Batiste’s forward-thinking musical concepts and philosophies. That mentorship would become foundational to Guerin’s artistic voice and career trajectory.
Over the years, Guerin has toured and performed with a roster of legendary artists, including George Benson, Jimmy Scott, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, John Scofield, Marcus Roberts and Nicholas Payton, among many others.
Alpine Community Development Corporation — Members of the Alpine Community Development Corporation hosted a spring wellness event on Memorial Day at their community garden. Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, including a prayer and grounding circle, a hydration education and tasting bar, a wellness plant table and a movement and exercise corner. Shown are, from left, seated, Ethel Felders, Diane Drake and Margaret Evans; standing, Bernell Boudreaux, Adell Brown and Fred Sibley.
Garden Discovery Series — Claire Fontenot, left, Master Gardener and developer of the Daylily American Society display garden at Independence Park, is shown with Sheldon Johnson prior to her program on daylilies at the May 30 Garden Discoveries event at the Main Library at Goodwood.
Hope Group — Members of the Hope Group from Broadmoor United Methodist Church gathered May 14 at Drusilla Seafood Restaurant for food, fun and fellowship with friends. Gathered are, from left, seated, Charlotte Fitzsimons, Donna Boulmay, Judy Burch and Teenie Bajon; standing, Beverly Grant, Gerri Cornett, Joy D’Armond, Linda Crane and Jackie Eichelberger.
Republican Women — U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow spoke at the monthly meeting of the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Women at Drusilla Seafood Restaurant on May 28. Shown are, from left, Sashika Baunchand, Baton Rouge first lady Beanie Edwards and Sarah Holliday James.
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