2026 Johnny Jackson, Jr.
Gospel is Alive! Celebration
Presented by Peoples Health
The Johnny Jackson Jr. Gospel Is Alive! Celebration is presented by Peoples Health and is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival’s annual educational workshop. It is a free community outreach program!
About the Program
The Johnny Jackson Jr. Gospel Is Alive! Celebration was named in honor of one of its biggest proponents, Johnny Jackson, Jr., a longtime member of the board of directors of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. Through a partnership with the New Orleans Council on Aging, this event serves as an educational platform that engages senior citizens through gospel music, aiming to promote cultural appreciation, and create connections between generations, ultimately enriching the lives of participants and cultivating a deeper sense of community spirit. Past headliners have included renowned artists like Rance Allen and CeCe Winans. Admission is free and open to the public! All ages welcome. Norman Robinson returns as this year’s Master of Ceremonies.
When
Monday, April 27, 2026
Where
Rock of Ages Baptist Church
2515 Franklin Avenue, N.O 70117
Gospel is Alive is takes place at the original Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in Gentilly: Click for directions
2026 Lineup
Shirley Caesar and the Caesar Singers
Arthur and Friends Community Choir
Council on Aging Community Choir
Join us for a soulful experience filled with energetic Gospel music, vibrant praise, and heartfelt moments that will uplift and inspire. Dancing and rejoicing are encouraged!
2026 Honorees
Church Gospel Choir/Director
Arthur Gremilion
Arthur and Friends Community Choir
Louisiana Gospel Group
Mr. John Walker, Jr., Founder
Nu Nation Choir
Lois Dejean Lifetime Achievement Award
Ryan D. Warner
Versatile Entertainment, Inc.
gospel is alive honoree committee
Howard Rodgers, III, Chair
Rev. Dr. Lois Dejean
LaQuan Fields-Carter
Caryn Rodgers- Battiste
Leonard Smith
Frank B. Stewart, Sr.
Photo Credit – Shawn Colin. Video Credit – Humble Beginnings
Peoples Health
Peoples Health was established in 1994 as a health services administrator for the Louisiana market. Founded by physicians and part of UnitedHealthcare, the company administers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans offering medical benefits and prescription drug coverage to Louisiana residents. It provides a unique approach to wellness, care coordination and support services. Learn More.
the New Orleans Council on Aging
Since 2012, the New Orleans Council On Aging (NOCOA) Community Choir has brought uplifting performances to many venues, churches, and events.
Mr. Howard L. Rodgers III, Executive Director of the NOCOA, first imagined this vibrant community choir. Thanks to his vision, it has become a reality; even through many challenges.
All choir members are 60 or older and come from different locations of the Greater New Orleans area 12th Ward Save Our Community, Arthur Monday Senior Center, Carrollton Hollygrove Senior Center, Gentilly Senior Center, Kinship Center, Lower Ninth Ward Senior Center, Mercy Endeavors Senior Center, Pontchartrain Park Community Center, and Treme Community Education Program. We invite you to join us as we share the joy and inspiration of music.
We sincerely thank Wendell Bloodworth, Don Dawson, Donnisha Dawson, Rhea Dokes, Elise Hamilton, Mike Herring, Martin Huber, Mary Simon, Gloria Stewart, and the Senior Center Directors for their dedication in making this event possible.
Presented by
In Partnership with
