Patrice Rushen headlines Southern’s 24th annual gala, where music and philanthropy come together to support future business leaders
BATON ROUGE, La. — The spotlight will shine brightly on Southern University during Homecoming weekend, but the real focus of this year’s Gala on the Bluff will be on the students whose futures depend on opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Southern University College of Business will host its 24th annual Gala on the Bluff at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge, bringing together alumni, business leaders, corporations and supporters for an evening of entertainment and scholarship fundraising.
Headlining the celebration is acclaimed pianist, composer, producer and musical director Patrice Rushen, whose career has crossed the worlds of jazz, R&B, classical and popular music.More than a Homecoming celebration
While Rushen's appearance provides a major entertainment draw, the gala's larger purpose is to help Southern students pursuing degrees in business.
Scholarship support can make a significant difference for students navigating the cost of higher education, particularly those preparing for careers in business, entrepreneurship, finance, management and other fields that can shape the economic future of their communities.
For Southern, the event represents a connection between education, philanthropy and professional opportunity.
The gala also allows members of Jaguar Nation and the broader Baton Rouge business community to support students while celebrating the university's role as one of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities.
A legendary performer takes center stage
Rushen brings a career spanning decades to this year's celebration.
She is widely known for the 1982 hit “Forget Me Nots,” a song that became one of the defining recordings of her career. Her work, however, extends well beyond her own recordings.
Rushen has performed and collaborated with major artists, including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Herbie Hancock and George Benson.
Her career also includes landmark work as a musical director. She became the first woman to serve as musical director for the Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards and NAACP Image Awards, according to event materials.
Her appearance gives Southern an opportunity to connect an internationally recognized musician with an event centered on developing the next generation of professionals.
Baton Rouge and New Orleans bring the sound
Rushen will be joined by two regional musical acts.
The Royal Essence Band of New Orleans will bring its distinctive New Orleans sound to the evening, while the Harry Anderson Jazz Group of Baton Rouge will represent the capital city's rich jazz tradition.
The combination creates a musical lineup that connects three elements of the evening: national recognition, regional culture and the Southern University community.
But beneath the entertainment is a fundraising mission.
Investing in Jaguar Nation
The Gala on the Bluff has become an important fundraising event for the Southern University College of Business, helping provide scholarship support for students working toward their degrees.
That makes the evening about more than a performance or a Homecoming social event.
It is also about what happens after the music stops — students returning to the classroom, completing degrees and preparing to enter the workforce as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
For supporters, the gala offers an opportunity to turn a night of entertainment into a direct investment in Southern students.
Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For event and sponsorship information, organizers can be reached at 225-936-3650 or 225-921-3890.
