For 25 years, The Auntie Karen Foundation has been opening doors, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities for children and families through the transformative power of the arts. What began in 2001 as the vision of educator, entrepreneur, and former jazz vocalist Karen Alexander-Banks has grown into a respected nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower, enlighten and educate through the arts.
On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Foundation will celebrate its silver anniversary with a free community celebration at the Koger Center for the Arts in downtown Columbia from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. The milestone honors 25 years of bringing world-class artists into classrooms, introducing young people to entrepreneurship, inspiring creativity, and building meaningful connections between education, culture, and community.
Admission is free, but advance registration through Eventbrite is required. Guests can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/auntie-karen-25th-anniversary-halloween-music-celebration-tickets-1997636145486
More than an anniversary party, the celebration is a tribute to the students, families, educators, artists, volunteers, and community partners who have helped turn one woman’s vision into a lasting legacy.
The evening will also mark the official launch of ticket sales for the Foundation’s 23rd Annual Legends of… Concert, featuring two-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Gregory Porter on February 5, 2027, at the Koger Center for the Arts.
A Vision Rooted In Education and the Arts
For Alexander-Banks, the Foundation was never simply about presenting concerts or creating entertainment. It was about using the arts as a bridge to education, opportunity, and personal development.
“As a former first-grade teacher and professional jazz vocalist, I understood the power of the arts to reach people in ways that traditional methods sometimes cannot,” said Alexander-Banks, Founder, President & CEO. “I wanted to create experiences that would introduce children to possibilities they might never have imagined for themselves.”
That philosophy became the foundation of an organization dedicated to making artistic and educational opportunities accessible to communities, particularly children and families in rural and underserved areas.
Over the past 25 years, the Foundation has developed programs that bring professional artists into classrooms, introduce students to entrepreneurship, and connect audiences with nationally and internationally recognized performers.
Building A Legacy Through Signature Programs
Among the Foundation’s signature initiatives is Artpreneur, an arts-based educational program that places professional teaching artists in schools to help students explore creativity while strengthening academic, social, and personal development skills.
The Young Entrepreneurs Conference, launched in 2003, has introduced generations of young people to entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and the importance of developing their ideas into viable opportunities.
The Foundation’s Legends of… Concert Series has become a celebrated cultural tradition in Columbia, presenting internationally recognized performers while connecting artistic excellence with educational outreach.
The Foundation has also expanded its educational mission through storytelling, literacy initiatives, and creative programming designed to engage younger audiences.
Together, these programs reflect a consistent philosophy: the arts can open doors, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the stage or classroom.
Celebrating The People Behind The Mission
While the Foundation’s accomplishments span 25 years, Alexander-Banks emphasizes that its success has always depended on relationships.
“This anniversary belongs to every person who has believed in our mission,” she said. “Our artists, educators, sponsors, volunteers, board members, parents, and community partners have all played a role in helping us reach this milestone. We could not have done this work alone.”
The Foundation’s history is also a testament to the importance of collaboration between nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, local government, and the arts community.
Through these partnerships, the Foundation has continued to create opportunities for young people while contributing to the cultural and educational vitality of South Carolina.
A Free Community Celebration on October 31
The Foundation’s official 25th Anniversary Halloween Music Celebration will take place at the Koger Center for the Arts, offering an evening of family activities, music, costumes, and entertainment.
From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., children and families can enjoy a Halloween-themed celebration featuring trick-or-treating, a costume stroll, music, and a family dance party.
Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the festivities will continue with an adult celebration featuring music, dancing, costumes, and a special anniversary recognition, concluding at 9:30 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite musical artist, musical group, character from a musical or movie, or a Thriller zombie. Family-friendly costumes are requested during the children’s celebration.
Food trucks and Koger Center concessions will be available.
The event is free, but registration is required through Eventbrite. Donations to support the Foundation’s educational mission are appreciated.
Looking Ahead: Gregory Porter to Headline Legends of … 2027
The anniversary celebration will also mark the official launch of ticket sales for the Foundation’s 23rd Annual Legends of… Concert, featuring internationally acclaimed, two-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Gregory Porter.
The concert will take place on Friday, February 5, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts, with the Auntie Karen All-Star Band opening the evening.
Porter, known for his rich baritone voice and distinctive blend of jazz, soul, and gospel, has earned international recognition for his extraordinary musical career.
In keeping with the Foundation’s educational mission, Porter will also participate in a special master class on Thursday, February 4, 2027, in partnership with Richland School District One.
Tickets officially go on sale October 31, 2026. Premium orchestra seating with access to an exclusive VIP reception is available for $150 through The Auntie Karen Foundation.
For VIP ticket information, contact Hope Jeffcoat at 803-315-6680 or Hope.Jeffcoat@auntiekaren.org. Additional ticket information is available at www.AuntieKaren.org.
Thee Next 25 Years
As The Auntie Karen Foundation enters its next chapter, Alexander-Banks remains focused on expanding educational opportunities, embracing innovation, and preparing young people for a rapidly changing world.
“Twenty-five years ago, we planted a seed,” said Alexander-Banks. “Along the way, we have watched children grow into adults, students discover talents, and communities come together through the arts. That is the true measure of our success.”
She added, “Our work is not finished. There are still children to reach, gifts to discover, and opportunities to create. We are grateful for the first 25 years, and we are excited about what comes next.”
25th Anniversary Celebration
The Auntie Karen 25th Anniversary Halloween Music Celebration will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. It will take place at the Koger Center for the Arts, located at 1051 Greene Street in Columbia, SC 29201.
Admission is free, advance Eventbrite registration required. The Family Celebration is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and the Adult Celebration is 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/auntie-karen-25th-anniversary-halloween-music-celebration-tickets-1997636145486
For additional information, visit www.AuntieKaren.org.
About the Auntie Karen Foundation
Established October 31, 2001, The Auntie Karen Foundation is a Columbia, South Carolina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower, enlighten and educate through the arts. Through arts education, cultural programming, entrepreneurship initiatives, and community partnerships, the Foundation creates opportunities for children and families to discover their talents, expand their horizons, and reach their potential.