As we move into our “new normal” for the next few weeks, we’re going to highlight some of the best virtual happenings! Here’s what we’re looking forward to this week:
MONDAY, APRIL 27
Glen David Andrews Virtual Birthday and Album Release Party | 12:05 p.m. | Facebook | Free
Local Frenchmen legend Glen David Andrews is celebrating both his birthday and the release of his new album during this two hour event. During the first hour, he’ll play the recording of the album. He’ll then switch to playing it live for the second hour. Here’s the Facebook event for more information. The Facebook Live will be found on his band’s Facebook page.
Taproom Yoga | 5 p.m. | Facebook | Donations accepted here.
The Taproom Yoga that normally takes place at NOLA Brewing on Monday evenings has gone virtual. All skill levels are welcome to join Elevate Yoga at 5 p.m. on Facebook Live!
Live Music from SideBar NOLA | 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. | Website | Donations accepted here
SideBar NOLA has live local music streaming for you seven nights a week (and oftentimes more than once per night). For a full listing of their performances, check out this page.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 28
Rise and Vibe Live Yoga | 7 a.m. | Instagram Live Stream | Donations accepted via Venmo, Eventbrite and PayPal.
NOLA Tribe Yoga sees no reason why you can’t roll out of bed and roll out your yoga mat at the same time. Classes take place each Tuesday and are available on Instagram Live for 24 hours after the class is complete. Donations are encouraged.
Alicia “Blue Eyes” Renee with guests | Noon | WWOZ 90.7 FM | Donations accepted here.
Join Alicia “Blue Eyes” Renee from her courtyard in the French Quarter as she displays her memorable vocals alongside Glen Finister Andrews (Preservation Hall Jazz Band), Jessie Smith (Cyril Nevil), and Sedric Holmes (The Buddy Bolden Film). The show starts at noon.
Cooking in Quarantine | 5 p.m. | Zoom | Register, and donations accepted here.
Cooking in Quarantine is an event organized by the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. It’s part-cooking class, part-supper club and part-office hours where New Orleanians can hang out with NOCHI chefs and one another to talk meal prep, family cooking, culinary techniques and more!
Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition Livestream | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook | Donations accepted on Venmo
Rock and roll live from the stage at Rock n Bowl with Ryan Foret and his band. The show will last two hours. See the event page for more information, and the livestream will take place on the band’s Facebook page.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
Commander’s Palace Italian Cocktail Party | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom | $104 for two
The famous Uptown eatery is hosting a guided wine and cheese tasting with James Beard Award-nominated “wine guy” Dan Davis. This week’s event is Spanish-themed! Buy your tickets by Monday at noon and Commander’s Palace will deliver the wine and St. James Cheese Company cheese and crackers to your door.
Adam Pearce Live Performance | 6:30 p.m. | Instagram or Facebook | Free
Local rock ‘n’ roll singer-songwriter, Adam Pearce, sits on his porch and plays some of his favorite music. The first two shows were a hit, so he’s back for Round 3 this week!
Teaching Aztec History Through Art | 7 p.m. | Website | Free
The Aztecs built one of the most powerful and impressive civilizations in the Americas. Learn how to teach about their important history through art during this free webinar through Tulane University. You can register here.
Billy Iuso Quaranstream Live | 8 p.m. | Facebook | Donations accepted on PayPal and Venmo.
Jam Band musician and songwriter Billy Iuso is playing a two-hour online show. The event will be hosted on Deadheadland’s Facebook page.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30
Jazz Festing in Place | 11 a.m. | WWOZ 90.7 FM | Free
From 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. during all eight days Jazz Fest was scheduled, WWOZ will broadcast incredible archival festival performances including Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, The Wild Magnolias and many more. There will also be interview segments and recipes from some of your favorite Jazz Fest food items.
Guided Meditations | 1 p.m. | Skype | Donations accepted here
Tibetan House is offering 30-minute guided meditations via Skype on Thursdays beginning at 1 p.m. The practice is kid-friendly, as well, and beginners are welcome.
PerSister in Song – Virtual Concert | 3 p.m. | Website | Free
From rock to Americana, blues to jazz, and folk to pop, the concert is a sample of the unique sounds of Louisiana and the intimate stories of the women incarcerated by the state. Musicians featured will include Margie Perez, Lynn Drury, Sarah Quintana and others. You can RSVP and learn more here.
Live bilingual book reading | 3 p.m. | Facebook | Free
Join The Pebbles Center at 3 p.m. for a live reading of books in Spanish from their children’s-focused collection. The books will share stories from Latin America, the Caribbean and the Latinx community in the United States. In this session, author and educator, Andrea Olatunji will share the latest top Spanish language picture books.
Jake Landry Band Live Quaran-Stream | 7 p.m. | Facebook | Donations accepted on Venmo or PayPal.
The Jake Landry Band is playing a recurring Thursday night gig in lieu of their normal set at the Foundation Room. Tune in for originals, a few covers and even some requests by you!
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FRIDAY, MAY 1
How to Curate an Art Collection | 3 p.m. | Website | Free
As we spend more time at home, art can provide emotional and mental support as we are working from home. But an art collection need not be expensive. Check out this YLC-sponsored event led by Claire Elizabeth Gallery.
Virtual Friday Night Flights | 6 p.m. | Facebook | $25
NOLA Brewing is hosting weekly virtual flight tastings. This week’s focus is on darker beers (including their Blackberry Cobbler Macaron Stout which is one of this writer’s favorite beers). You can buy your beers (meant for two people, but works for between one and four individuals) in advance. You’ll need to pick up your order curbside at the brewery, and then check out this page for the Facebook Live link.
Mannie Fresh | 7 p.m. | Facebook | Free, but gift cards to support The Maison and its staff can be purchased here.
Famous local DJ, Mannie Fresh hosts a popular DJ set (more than 10,000 viewers!) called “Virus-Killaz” each Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Check out his Facebook page for more information as the date gets closer.
Ellis Marsalis Tribute Night | 8 p.m. | Facebook | Free
Every week Snug Harbor has a tribute show to the recently departed New Orleans music legend, Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Swing by their Facebook page at approximately 8 p.m. and they’ll post the link to the show.
Big Freedia’s Friday Night Shakedown | 9 p.m. | Instagram and Facebook | Donated accepted for Big Freedia’s Touring Crew and GNOF’s Disaster Relief Fund
Bounce, shake and wiggle with Big Freedia every Friday night! It’s a great party.
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See? There’s tons going on! If you can afford it, please be sure to tip the band/performers/DJ/teachers/etc. Many of them are battling lost gigs as a result of the pandemic, and are working very hard to keep us entertained during the unique times.
Remember, send me an email if you have an event you’d like me to add for next week’s round-up!
WRITER MATT HAINES LIVES IN NEW ORLEANS. FOLLOW HIM FOR ALL THINGS GOING ON IN NOLA — DURING TIMES OF PANDEMIC AND OTHERWISE — AT MATTHAINESWRITES.COM, AND ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER.
