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
2515 Franklin Avenue, N.O 70117
Gospel is Alive is takes place at the original Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in Gentilly: Click for directions
2025 Lineup
Bishop Paul S. Morton and The Greater Sound Choir of Greater St. Stephen FGBC
Jessica Harvey & the Difference
Council of 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!
2025 Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Craig Adams
Choir Award:
Jessica Harvey and the Difference
Louisiana Group Award:
Leo Jackson and the Melody Clouds
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 NOCOA Community Choir has graced various venues, churches, and events with its uplifting performances.
This was envisioned by Mr. Howard L. Rodgers III, the Executive Director of the New Orleans Council on Aging, a vibrant community choir that has blossomed into a beautiful reality despite the challenges faced in recent years.
The choir members, all aged 60 and above, hail from the 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 on this inspiring journey as we uplift and inspire through the power of music.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Wendell Bloodworth, Donnisha Dawson, Rhea Dokes, Elise Hamilton, Martin Huber, Mary Simon, Gloria Stewart, and the Senior Center Directors for their unyielding dedication in making this event a success.
Presented by
In Partnership with
