There’s no place like COCA in 2026. The creative arts center is celebrating 40 years of serving the St. Louis community. It recently welcomed Jay Staten as its new artistic director of dance. The nonprofit also launched an exciting partnership with St. Louis City SC, celebrating the legacy of musical icon Tina Turner. These developments only scratch the surface of COCA’s dedication to ensuring everyone in the community has access to the arts. “Last year we served more than 65,000 people—that’s 15,000 more than in 2024,” president and CEO Indigo Sams says. “People are tuning into COCA, and we’re excited to share what’s next.”
COCA’s programming is made possible in part thanks to COCAcabana, the center’s largest annual fundraiser. The event plays a critical role in funding, representing about 20% of the nonprofit’s annual contributed revenue and supporting outreach initiatives, including scholarships. COCA provides more than $1 million in financial aid to students every year, and the demand is only growing. “COCAcabana not only raises critical funds—it shares the true impact of what we’re able to bring to life for the St. Louis community,” Sams notes. “You get to explore the campus, meet alumni, learn about our programs and see current students perform in a special showcase.”
Held April 24, this year’s COCAcabana theme reflects the exciting happenings at the arts center: There’s No Place Like COCA!, an exploration of the fantastical and whimsical land of Oz. “We are the arts hub of St. Louis, and this theme reflects all the creativity and magic that comes with helping make dreams come true,” says Virginia Howell, senior director of advancement. “Thanks to decorations from Cepia, every room will be transformed into a journey through Oz.” The event is made possible thanks to the support of the community, including presenting sponsor Tegethoff Development and significant support from the Hornsby Family, Stifel, Edward Jones, Anheuser-Busch, U.S. Bancorp, Butler’s Pantry, Switch, Ameren, Bayer and more.
Guests are invited to put on their best ruby slippers—a fitting choice since 40th is the ruby anniversary—and enjoy a wonderful evening. Student performances will include selections from The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and The Wiz. A luxury purse raffle will offer the chance to win items from Prada, Dior and Christian Louboutin, and the event’s auction will include a Harry Styles concert in New York, tickets to the Emmys and travel opportunities ranging from Breckenridge, Colorado, to Tuscany, Italy. “Think of it as the dream at the end of the Yellow Brick Road,” Howell says. “We’re excited to bring everyone together to celebrate COCA.”
The importance of COCA’s mission is evident in this year’s COCAcabana alumni chair, Katie Lee of Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria. Lee’s creative approach to food and her business embodies the center’s impact even outside the arts. “Who would have thought dance classes would help shape a local culinary icon and business leader,” Sams says. “Thanks to a scholarship, Lee was able to take advantage of all that COCA has to offer, growing and exploring while she discovered who she wanted to be. We provide a safe place for young people in the community to encounter the arts, and COCAcabana helps ensure we can continue transforming thousands of lives each year.”
COCA’s mission is to enrich lives and build community through the arts. COCAcabana 2026: There’s No Place Like COCA! is April 24. Pictured on the cover: Anna Tegethoff, Justin and Ali Rand, Indigo Sams, Henry and Courtney Scott, Amy Drummond, Bill Carson, Katie Lee. For tickets and more information, visit cocastl.org/cocacabana or email
Virginia Howell at vhowell@cocastl.org or Kyra Pearson at kpearson@cocastl.org.
Cover courtesy of Cannonball
Cover styling by Ciara Hargis, Neiman Marcus and Dry Bar – St. Louis
Pictured at the top: Follow the COCA kids down the Yellow Brick Road to COCAcabana
Photo courtesy of COCA