Culture, Events, & Music Festivals Top Stories

ART&SOUL Returns to NOCCA This May with a Full Night of Music, Art, and Culture

Event proceeds benefit the NOCCA Foundation’s mission to invest in young artists, their mentors, alumni, and the community. Tickets now available at ArtandSoulNOCCA.com  


The NOCCA Foundation and The Meraux Foundation are bringing back the ART&SOUL Gala on May 16 at NOCCA, celebrating the future of one of the country’s premier arts institutions.

This year’s theme, “Tomorrow Starts Here,” is all about looking ahead as NOCCA builds into its next 50 years. The night is built around showcasing the talent that makes the school what it is, with live performances from New Breed Brass Band, Sweet Crude, NOCCA alumni, and current students throughout the evening.

“ART&SOUL is a cherished opportunity to celebrate NOCCA’s many successes with our supporters and our campus family,” said Shanekah Johnson, Executive Director of the NOCCA Foundation.

Beyond the music, it’s a full experience. Guests can expect a large-scale dinner prepared by NOCCA’s culinary students and faculty, plus contributions from local chefs and restaurants. There are also interactive elements woven in, like live portraits from visual arts students and custom poetry written on-site by creative writing students, along with a silent auction.

The entire event directly supports the NOCCA Foundation’s mission, funding programs for students, teachers, alumni, and the broader creative community. It’s a big reason why NOCCA continues to stand out nationally, consistently sending the majority of its graduates to top college and conservatory programs, many on scholarship..

“As always, NOCCA students and alumni will be front and center throughout the evening, performing on stage, drawing portraits and writing poems for guests, and of course, preparing a magnificent dinner. NOCCA has become the gold standard of arts education in America, and this is our way of thanking our community for making that happen.” – Shanekah Johnson

Ticketing is tiered depending on how you want to experience it. There’s a Patron Party option with early access, a private pre-event set from Sweet Crude, and a first look at the auction. General gala tickets cover the main event with performances, dinner, and drinks, and there’s also limited alumni access available. The night wraps with an alumni after-party to close things out. You can grab tickets or check out the ticket offerings HERE.

Sweet Crude is one of the night’s featured artist

Musical guests include New Breed Brass Band, Sweet Crude, and NOCCA All-Star Legends, plus food, portraits, poetry, and more music by NOCCA students. Event proceeds benefit the NOCCA Foundation’s mission to invest in young artists, their mentors, alumni, and the community. At its core, ART&SOUL is a full-circle moment, bringing together students, alumni, and supporters for a night that highlights the impact NOCCA has had on New Orleans and the next generation of artists coming up through it.

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