Abraham Thomas Brings Courage to the Stage with Jon Batiste
Monday night, September 8th, was huge for Courage the short film. Abraham Thomas took the stage in Salt Lake City to open Jon Batiste’s concert with a live performance of his newly released song Courage, written for our short film. It was the first time a full audience experienced the anthem in person, and the response was amazing.
Before stepping into the music, Abraham shared a powerful reflection on where this song comes from:
"This song is a little bit about my story and a little bit about Eric’s story. Growing up on a reservation, I always called it home, but it was not always easy. Moving out here to Utah took courage. Pursuing my dreams, holding on to my heritage, and pushing through every challenge has taken courage. And it is that courage that continues to guide me forward on this journey." – Abraham Thomas
This anthem is not just music. It is the heartbeat of the film Courage. From the very first notes, it pulses with rhythm, energy, and heart, embodying the story and emotion that drive the film forward. Abraham’s performance captured the essence of resilience and identity, and the crowd responded with genuine support that reflected the spirit of the film itself.
Hearing Courage performed live as the opening song of the night was something entirely different. The energy built with every beat, filling the venue with the same urgency and hope that shape the story of the film. The audience leaned in, moved by the raw passion and depth behind the music. This is the song that carries Courage forward and sets the stage for the entire journey on screen.
To have an artist as talented as Jon Batiste recognize and uplift Courage by giving it the stage as his concert opener made the evening even more meaningful. It was a milestone moment that united the spirit of the film with the artistry of one of today’s most inspiring musicians.
