Tonight, the House of Blues welcomes a “Celebration of New Orleans Music,” organized by the New Orleans South African Connection (NOSACONN) in collaboration with the Alliance for Diversity & Excellence.

They will bring more than 70 local artists to the spotlight to benefit the non-profit.

Live performances will start at 8 p.m. and include local acts by Russell Batiste & Friends with Jason Neville and the Wild Tchoupitoulas Indians, The Hot 8 Brass Band, Rockin Dopsie and the James Andrews Family.

NOSACONN is a non-profit organization, founded by Damon J. Batiste in 1998 and based on a partnership gathering leaders of business, civic, community and entertainment industry in New Orleans and the Republic of South Africa. They produce special events and provide opportunities for cultural initiatives in both places.

The event is part of NOSACONN’s Artis in Education initiative, which advocates for an important place for arts in the city’s academic programs. Part of this initiative is the Arts and Music in the Afternoon (AM/PM), an afterschool program that aims at encouraging the youth of New Orleans to learn and be exposed to fine arts activities through education from skilled professionals.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit those programs, and the students of the Arts & Music PM program will also be given a chance to perform along with the other featured local and international acts, such as Stephanie Jordan, Keith Washington, Mike “Soulman” Baptiste, Shamar Allen, Sharon Martin, Joe Franklin, Free Spirit African Drummers with Stilt Walkers and many more.

On top of the live music, a silent auction of African art will take place at the event. Doors open at 7 p.m. at 225 Decatur St.