Culture In Motion™ at Joy Is Our Journey
About this Event
Celebrate the Joy of Community.
This Thursday - July 2nd, 2026, Ashé Cultural Arts Center welcomes Culture In Motion™, is a National Roadshow founded and led by Kwanza Jones and realized in partnership with The Apollo, for a special community experience during Joy Is Our Journey.
Designed to celebrate the artists, storytellers, entrepreneurs, and communities that shape America's cultural landscape, Culture In Motion™ brings SUPERCHARGED® experiences and the legacy of Harlem's legendary Apollo directly into neighborhoods through the SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus™, a one-of-a-kind mobile cultural experience.
Whether you're exploring the bus for the first time, creating something with your family, recording your story, supporting local artists, or simply enjoying the energy of Joy Is Our Journey, every experience is designed to celebrate the creativity that already exists within our communities.
From live performances and family activities to free food, custom merchandise, and immersive experiences inside the Apollo-inspired SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus™, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the evening.
Your FREE Community Pass includes:
- 🎤 Live performances featuring New Orleans artists, poets, musicians, and culture bearers
- 🚌 Explore the SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus™, inspired by the legendary Apollo Theater
- 👕 FREE custom t-shirts (while supplies last)
- 🎁 FREE Swag and giveaways throughout the event
- 🍽️ Complimentary food (while supplies last)
- 🎨 FREE Interactive family activities including button making and creative experiences
- 🎙️ Voices in Motion, where you can record your own story or message of inspiration
- 🎤 Next Up Open Mic Lottery for a chance to perform during Joy Is Our Journey
- 🤝 Connect with local artists, entrepreneurs, and community organizations
- ✨ Be part of one of New Orleans' most beloved community celebrations.
Whether you're bringing the family, discovering local artists, creating something new, enjoying great food, or simply looking for an unforgettable way to spend your Thursday evening, Joy Is Our Journey featuring Culture In Motion™ is designed to celebrate the creativity, culture, and community that make New Orleans extraordinary.
Agenda
🕑: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Ashé Kid's Block Party
Host: DJ Cassie
Info: Kick off the afternoon with an interactive celebration designed for youth and families! Explore the SUPERCHARGED® Boost Bus™, enjoy hands-on creative activities, receive free custom t-shirts and giveaways (while supplies last), record your story in Voices in Motion, and experience music, culture, and creativity in a fun, family-friendly environment.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Second Line Celebration with DJ Duffle Bag
Host: Duffle Bag
Info: Experience the rhythm and spirit of New Orleans as DJ Duffle Bag brings the soundtrack for a community-wide Second Line celebration. Learn classic line dances, join the procession, and move together in a joyful celebration of music, movement, and culture before the evening performances begin. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, everyone is invited to step in, dance, and celebrate.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Amapiano Sunset Set with Pro$per Jones
Host: Pro$per Jones
Info: As the sun begins to set, Pro$per Jones takes over the decks with an uplifting mix of Amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro House, and global rhythms. This high-energy DJ set celebrates the contemporary sounds of the African diaspora while creating the perfect musical bridge into the evening's African Dance & Drum Experience. Come dance, connect, and experience the rhythms that continue to inspire cultures around the world.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:10 PM
Rhythms of the Diaspora - African Dance & Drum
Info: Journey through the rhythms, movement, and traditions of the African diaspora in this immersive cultural experience featuring live drumming, dance, and storytelling. More than a performance, this interactive celebration invites guests of all ages to participate, connect, and experience the enduring traditions that continue to shape communities across the globe.
🕑: 07:10 PM - 09:00 PM
Joy Is Our Journey Open Mic Showcase
Host: Variable
Info: Experience the heart of Joy Is Our Journey as the stage comes alive with an inspiring mix of curated performances and emerging community voices. Featuring acclaimed local artists alongside selected Next Up Open Mic Lottery performers, this showcase celebrates the music, poetry, storytelling, and creative expression that define New Orleans. Every performance reflects Ashé Cultural Arts Center's commitment to uplifting community voices while creating new opportunities for artists to share their gifts
🕑: 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Joy Remix with DJ Jahi
Info: Keep the energy going as internationally acclaimed DJ Jahi, longtime touring DJ for the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, delivers a dynamic closing set celebrating the sounds that bring communities together. From hip-hop and soul to funk, R&B, and global rhythms, this joyful finale invites everyone to dance, connect, and celebrate an unforgettable evening at Joy Is Our Journey.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
