Free Oct. 12 Joyfull: Feast Edition to feature Dakota Sioux rapper Stuart James

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 Joyfull: Feast Edition 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.

Read more in a feature story about the event.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit The Joyfull: Feast Edition to register or for more details.

Motivational hip-hop artist Stuart James

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.”

Free related comedy show

Resistance Day Rally

noon–1 p.m. Monday, October 12

HUB-Robeson Center Monumental Staircase

No registration is required for the pop-up event.

James and Ernie Comedy

5–6 p.m. Monday, October 12

Lion’s Lair, 008 HUB-Robeson Center

The James and Ernie Comedy duo will present an event free to the community leading into the The Joyfull event. In “Laugh Now, Cry Later,” the humor speakers will offer their perspectives on Native American life, current affairs, addiction, sobriety and survival.

The event is free, and no registration is required.

“The Life and Times of Shy Rez Boy”

3–4 p.m. Tuesday, October 13

Flex Theater

No registration is required for the pop-up event.

“Humor-Healing: A Journey of Empowerment and Healing”

3–4 p.m. Wednesday, October 14

Foster Auditorium, Patee and Paterno Library

No registration is required for the pop-up event.

James and Ernie Comedy

5–6 p.m. Monday, October 12

Lion’s Lair, 008 HUB-Robeson Center

The James and Ernie Comedy duo will present an event free to the community leading into the The Joyfull event. In “Laugh Now, Cry Later,” the humor speakers will offer their perspectives on Native American life, current affairs, addiction, sobriety and survival.

The event is free, and no registration is required.

The Joyfull series

The Joyfull series is free and open to the community. Each event will feature a live performance and cuisine buffet related to the theme. Visit The Joyfull for more information. Event details will be announced as they are confirmed.

• Minty Fresh Edition, 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
• Women’s History Month Edition, 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
• Pride Edition, 6 p.m. Monday, April 12, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center

For fans of

Celebration of Native American art and culture

Family-friendly networking and community

Performance and a light meal

“Reservation Dogs” on Hulu

Acknowledgments

Support is provided by Meghan R. Mason Program Endowment.

The Joyfull: Feast Edition is presented by the Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the Indigenous Peoples Faculty/Staff and Student Alliances, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, and Penn State Student Affairs.

The Joyfulls are supported in part through funding from Penn State’s Equal Opportunity Planning Committee in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity.

Find us

The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, a unit of the College of Art and Architecture, aspires to create connected, sustainable, and equitable communities, where everyone experiences joy, belonging and creativity.

For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.