OffBeat Magazine

The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras (GNOYO), a non-profit organization providing students ages six to pre-professional the opportunity to participate in a high-quality full orchestra program, announced last week its selection as one of two orchestras in North America (and the first place winner) to participate in the 2026-27 Orchestra Residencies Program led by renowned violinist, Midori.

South Louisiana roots artist Josh Garrett has released a new single, “Street People,” a reinterpretation of the Bobby Charles classic that reflects the deep storytelling tradition of Louisiana music. Charles is responsible for songs like, “See you Later, Alligator” and “Walking to New Orleans”. Recorded with a focus on authenticity, the track leans into a raw blues/roots sound, while staying true to the magic of the original composition. “I’ve always loved his music,” says Josh Garrett.

Cafe Negril will officially unveil its newly recreated mural of Bob Marley on Friday, July 3, during a celebration featuring live music, a balloon drop, donor recognition, and a chance to meet the artist behind both the original and its revival. Originally painted in 1990 by New Orleans artist Dwayne Conrad, the mural became one of Frenchmen Street’s most recognizable landmarks.

Ronell Johnson (1976-2026) Trombonist, sousaphonist and vocalist Ronell Johnson died on June 14, 2026, of complications from a heart attack he suffered in April. He was 49. Johnson was a member of the Preservation Hall family of musicians for nearly 30 years. He performed at Preservation Hall several times each week and toured with both the Preservation Hall Band and Preservation Brass.

Band applications to play at the 2027 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell are now open. The 2027 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell will take place in Spring 2027. The mission of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation is to promote, preserve, perpetuate and encourage the music, arts, culture and heritage of communities in Louisiana. Each year, approximately 85 percent of the acts selected to perform are Louisiana-based musicians.

A new song created with the help of local library patrons will make its public debut at the East Bank Regional Library in Metairie on June 20. Musician and producer Steve Scaffidi, owner of Ain’t Too Late Music and Ghost Rider Pictures, will premiere “You’re My Baby Girl” during a free event at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave.

Local songwriter Paul Faith has brought together more than 20 local and regional artists for a new double album of original protest songs, released June 12. The project, born out of frustration with the political and social climate of 2026, features newly written and recorded songs addressing issues ranging from immigration and war to democracy, community and collective action.

The City of New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy (O.N.E.), in partnership with The Ella Project continues the Music Census Sessions, a free professional development series designed to support local musicians and music industry professionals. Following a successful inaugural year funded by the City of New Orleans, the 2026 series will be supported through grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Award-winning New Orleans drag entertainer Debbie with a D has launched her first full-scale variety production, Divas Through the Decades, at Toulouse Theatre in the French Quarter. The Pride Month production blends drag, burlesque, dance and live entertainment in a fast-paced revue that celebrates iconic musical eras before shifting into a tribute to the nightlife culture and folklore of New Orleans.

New Orleans rap superstar Rob49 headlines this year’s annual Vulture Island Experience on Saturday June 13, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in his hometown of New Orleans. “Vulture Island” is the artist’s popular hip hop song and the title of the 2022 debut album by Rob49, which the rapper has used to create a singular hip hop experience in New Orleans.