UNIVERSITY PARK — The Center for the Performing Arts 2026–27 continues its community-based, cross-cultural celebrations with The Joyfull: Feast Edition. The event is free and will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center.
The program will celebrate the rich history and contributions of indigenous arts and culture. This year’s theme is “Indigenous People in the Modern World.” The program will feature a buffet catered by Paul’s Provisions and an intimate artist performance by Dakota Sioux rapper Stuart James.
“So often, we are typically represented in the past, the buckskin, the feathers, the more traditional pieces,” said Jacinta Garcia, community support and belonging specialist at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, one of the event partners. “It’s really important to us to showcase what native people are doing now,” she said of the choice of artist representation.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit The Joyfull: Feast Edition to register or for more details.
James, a songwriter and producer from the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota, will perform after the meal. The motivational native hip-hop artist tells his stories rooted in truth, resilience and purpose, and offers commentary on mental health and indigenous pride.
“I believe natives are some of the best storytellers on Earth, so it’s kind of already embedded in us,” James said. “We were just surrounded by great storytellers, so I think that part, creatively, when I started making songs, that already kind of had its influence on me.”
