Jon Batiste Headlines Festival Napa Valley’s Biggest Fundraiser

The vineyards of Nickel & Nickel provided a gorgeous summertime setting on July 13, as Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala achieved its most successful fundraising night ever, collecting a record-breaking $5 million for arts education. The sold-out celebration featured Jon Batiste, whose seven Grammy and Oscar wins have established him as what The Guardian calls “a certified musical genius,” performing for an intimate gathering of Napa Valley’s most generous patrons and distinguished vintners including the Baggett, Gallo and Hall families.

Gala Chair Mary Beth Shimmon curated an evening where culinary artistry matched musical brilliance, as Chef Rogelio Garcia’s Michelin-starred expertise transformed local ingredients into extraordinary courses paired with Far Niente’s renowned wines. The Mexican-born, Northern California-raised chef’s inventive blend of French techniques with Mexican and Japanese influences created a dining experience that perfectly embodied Napa Valley’s terroir-driven philosophy. Lydia Fenet led a dynamic auction that helped drive the evening’s remarkable success, ensuring that Festival Napa Valley’s total Arts for All impact now exceeds $33 million in support of youth and senior education programs, free concerts and arts scholarships.