Good morning, New Orleans.

Local award-winning firms Synergy Design Group and The Wynning Experience have launched Wynning-Synergy, a new agency offering fully integrated event experiences for companies to engage audiences.

The alliance will debut at WBENC’s National Conference in New Orleans from June 23–26 and is planning joint activations for late 2025 — a sign of bold creative ventures in the local market.

Annabelle Bernard broke racial barriers in opera with her creamy soprano voice as she rose from singing at McDonogh 35 to performing for Pope Paul VI, celebrated conductors in Europe, and at the Kennedy Center — a career that spanned over 40 years.

Born in New Orleans, she earned a scholarship at Xavier, began at Berlin Opera in 1962, starred with the New Orleans Opera Association in 1976, and later taught voice at Xavier before her death in 2005 — her legacy remains a proud part of our city's history.

On June 18, NORA and &Access presented a retail opportunity study at the City Council meeting to improve the St. Claude Avenue corridor in the Lower Ninth Ward.

The study recommends investments like a new grocery store, business renovations, and zoning reforms to attract small businesses and boost local retail.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said lawmakers ended the regular session without fully addressing insurance reform.

He said a special session is needed to review ideas such as lowering the three percent premium tax—an effort aimed at reducing costs even though a bill to do so stalled in committee.

Joseph C. Canizaro, a real estate developer behind projects like One Canal Place and 400 Poydras, died on June 20 at age 88 in his Metairie home after suffering a series of strokes.

His legacy includes major developments in New Orleans and significant philanthropic contributions for local institutions, and funeral arrangements have not been announced.

LSU Tigers returned home after winning the national title at the College World Series in Omaha and received a hero’s welcome from cheering fans—local celebrations highlighted the team’s hard work and achievement.

Musical Encounters

6:00 – 6:30 PM — New Orleans Museum of Art — Free for Louisiana residents — Experience intimate performances and conversations with musicians about their creative processes.

The Soul Rebels Live Performance

11 PM – 2 AM — Le Bon Temps Roule — Check website for ticket info — Experience the vibrant sound of The Soul Rebels at this iconic New Orleans venue.

The Dancing Pixel Party

7-9 p.m. — Cafe Istanbul — $10 admission — Celebrate animated GIFs, collage, and dancing in a vibrant community gathering.

Dinosaurs on the Moon: Stories from the World of Collage

7-9 p.m. — Cafe Istanbul — $10 — Experience an evening of storytelling, poetry, and collage with laughter and creativity.

Honey Revenge Concert

6:00 – 10:30 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of vibrant pop-rock from Los Angeles' rising stars, Honey Revenge.

Essence Music Festival - 4 Day Pass

July 3-6 — Caesars Superdome — Day passes and 3-day weekend packages available — Celebrate Black excellence with a star-studded lineup and vibrant marketplace at ESSENCE Fest.

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

9 p.m. — Riverwalk Outlets — Free entry — Experience a dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi River with patriotic tunes during this vibrant celebration.

Essence Festival - Saturday

7-10 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy performances from iconic artists including Boyz II Men and a special tribute to Quincy Jones.

Essence Festival - Sunday

6-10 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Check event page for pricing — Experience a star-studded lineup featuring Boyz II Men, Nas, and a tribute to Quincy Jones.

Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale Live

9 PM - 12 AM — No Dice — $10 — Experience the soulful tunes of rising stars Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale in an intimate setting.