[CharterSchools] Saturday: Baby Ben to Host Music Fest with Grammy-Winning Artists

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Benjamin Franklin Mathematics & Science School Launches First “Bears Under the Oaks” Music Fest Featuring Grammy-Winning Artists and Student Performances
Outdoor festival brings together professional jazz legends, Baby Ben musicians, and the Uptown community for an evening of music, food, and fun

NEW ORLEANS, LA  – Benjamin Franklin Mathematics & Science School (Baby Ben) is proud to announce the inaugural “Bears Under the Oaks” Music Fest, taking place Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on the Uptown campus located at 1116 Jefferson Avenue. 

The event is the kickoff to Baby Ben’s 40th Anniversary celebration: Paving the Path to 40. “In 2026, Benjamin Franklin will proudly celebrate its 40th anniversary," said Benjamin Franklin Elementary CEO Dr. Jeremye Brooks.   “To commemorate this milestone, we are engaging our students and families in a meaningful campaign to strengthen our programs and enrich student life.”

The outdoor festival will showcase world-class professional musicians alongside the extraordinary talents of Baby Ben’s own students. Headlining the evening is the Jordan Family & Friends,  performers include violinist (and baby Ben Strings Teacher) Rachel Jordan, trumpeter Marlon Jordan, and featuring internationally renowned artists including Grammy Award-winning bassist David Pulphus, celebrated pianist Jordan Baker and drummer Peter Varnado. In addition, audiences will be treated to performances by the Singing Bears Choir, Orchestra, and Concert Band, shining a spotlight on the school’s robust and growing arts program.

“We are thrilled to launch this new tradition that brings together our students, families, and neighbors for a joyful evening of music under the oaks,” said Dr. Jeremye Brooks, CEO of Benjamin Franklin Mathematics & Science School. “At Baby Ben, we believe that the arts and academics go hand in hand. This festival is not only an opportunity for our students to perform on the same stage as acclaimed professional musicians, but also a chance for our community to come together, celebrate culture, and invest in the creative spirit of our children. We hope this event becomes a beloved annual gathering for Uptown and beyond.”

Admission is $15 per person, or families can purchase a Family Package for four at $50 and can be purchased at babyben.org or at the gate. Local food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site, making this an evening of entertainment, culture, and community for all ages.





ABOUT THE JORDAN FAMILY & FRIENDS
   
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Rachel Jordan (violinist) has performed at the Kennedy Center and Salzburg Mozart Festival and is a member of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra in Houston and the James Carter String Quartet at Loyola University New Orleans.   
   


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Marlon Jordan (trumpeter) was celebrated by Columbia Records as a “Young Jazz Lion” and has shared the stage with George Benson, Wynton Marsalis, and Miles Davis.   
   


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David Pulphus (bassist) is a Grammy Award and Jazz Allstars Award winner who has performed with legends including Elvin Jones and Tony Bennett.   
   


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Jordan Baker (pianist) is a recipient of the Theodore Presser Foundation Award and Jazz Allstars Award, with performances at Bonnaroo, the Discover Jazz Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.   
   


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Peter Varnado (drummer) serves as BAM Director of Music Application at Tulane University and is a Preservation Hall drummer and internationally respected music educator.   
   



For more information about Benjamin Franklin Mathematics & Science School and the Music Fest, visit www.babyben.org.





ABOUT BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE SCHOOL
 Benjamin Franklin Elementary/Middle Mathematics & Science School serves 760 students in grades K–8 across two Uptown New Orleans campuses. Dedicated to academic excellence, the school accelerates learning through data-driven inquiry, reflective teaching, and a commitment to powerful learning. The mission of Benjamin Franklin Elementary/Middle Mathematics & Science School is to educate children to excel academically and grow as individuals.

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