Bars are closed again and the maximum size of group gatherings has been reduced, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online while getting those COVID cases back under control. Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Open House Week Fall 2020 | All Week beginning at 10 a.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Free
Interested in learning French or advancing your language skills? Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans has classes for a variety of levels. Register for an open house time slot this week so you can learn more!
View this post on Instagram
Live with Helen Gillet | 7 p.m. | YouTube, Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Donations encouraged via PayPal, Venmo or Bandcamp
Helen Gillet and her cello are one of the most popular acts in town. While the effects of this pandemic linger, you’re able to hear her every Monday from the comfort of your own couch. Tune in for her weekly set that alternates between light, beautiful and wild.
Robin Barnes Presents #SongBirdatHome | 7 p.m. | Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Join Robin Barnes, the Songbird of New Orleans and her husband Pat Casey every Monday night for a one-hour set as they bring a concert right from their living room to yours!
Zumba Live Stream | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has partnered with Footprints to Fitness to offer a free 60-minute zumba class on Zoom! The class is led by a dance instructor and is cardio-focused, but appropriate for all levels. Register here and you’ll receive a link to the Zoom class.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Live FitNOLA Class – Pilates | 10 a.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often two or three times a day). This Tuesday at noon, the class is focused on pilates, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings here and here to find out when they’ll be leading classes in Zumba, yoga, fitness, line dancing, swing, hip hop, senior fitness and much more! To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
Equal Justice Initiative on Criminal Justice Reform | 11:30 a.m. | Online (link sent after registration) | Free
YLC is honored to welcome the Equal Justice Initiative to host a conversation on criminal justice reform and racial justice narrative efforts. Participants will leave this webinar with an understanding of the work that EJI is doing across communities and the country to increase equity. They will also learn how, as young leaders, to be agents of change in their communities, building a more inclusive and equitable future for New Orleanians. You can learn more here.
NOCHI Together | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donation
Twice a week, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) hosts a cooking class led by a local chef and focusing on a specific cuisine. This Tuesday is a special cocktail-focused class featuring friends from downtown favorite Palm & Pine. They’ll be guiding attendees on how to make imaginative riffs on three classic cocktails: a banana-scented spin on the classic daiquiri, a Mezcal riff on the Negroni, and a unique play on the French 75. Once you register, you’ll receive an ingredient list and a recipe so you can prepare yourself to bartend along with this week’s teachers. Learn more here.
Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph Live from the New Orleans Jazz Museum Balcony | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different musician or band on their balcony every week, and this week features Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph for an hour-long set!
View this post on Instagram
Nutrition Workshop: Eat Your Values…Then Your Veggies | 6 p.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Suggested donation $5 – $25
With so many diet trends waiting for you and products to tempt you — keto fat bombs, cricket protein, plant-based meat, low-carb pasta, organic ghee and more — choosing what’s right for you is challenging. In this one-hour session, presenters will discuss values around food (such as performance, sustainability and weight loss) and how you can fuel those values in your meal choices.
Ted Jackson – You Ought to Do a Story About Me | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registering) | $27.99 (includes one signed copy of the book)
Join Octavia Books for a special evening online with photojournalist Ted Jackson celebrating the launch of You Ought to Do a Story About Me — the heartbreaking and redemptive story of a fallen-from-grace NFL player discovered by a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist on the streets of New Orleans, and the transformative friendship that binds them. He will appear in conversation with bestselling, award-winning author Jonathan Eig.
Level 1 – Absolute Beginner Adult Tap | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link will be sent upon registering) | 1 class for $15; 6 classes for $80; 12 classes for $150
If you’ve never taken a tap dance class, or have had less than six months of classes, this is the class for you. Absolute Beginner Tap is an introductory level tap class designed for adult students looking to enjoy an engaging rhythmic workout in a fun and positive environment! Each week you will receive a 45-minute live virtual dance class, as well as access to weekly supplemental practice videos. Check out the left side of this page for the full listing of adult classes offered by HEIDITAPS.
For the Culture with Elliot Luv | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a thrice-weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Tuesday they’re presenting an hour-long set featuring Elliot Luv — a local singer-songwriter who had songs that placed top 10 on the UK Soul Charts in the early 2000s! Tune in for his hour-long set!
Clown Town TV Premier Party: Season 2, Episode 1 | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips and donations accepted on PayPal and Venmo
Clown Town features a rotating cast of queer NOLA Clowns as well as special guests from afar! It’s a little bit sideshow, a little bit vaudeville and plenty of New Orleans charm! Tune in via the Facebook page for Season 2, Episode 1 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Art & Zen: Online Meditation Series | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free, but a $5 donation is encouraged if you are able
Every Wednesday at noon, join the Ogden Museum for a live seated 30-minute mindfulness meditation inspired by a work of Southern art. This online meditation program is led by Ogden Educator and yoga and meditation instructor, Mikhayla Harrell! All experience levels welcome and you can learn more here.
Live FitNOLA Class — Barre Above | 6 p.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Wednesday at 6 p.m., the class is focused on Barre Above, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings here and here to find out when they’ll be leading classes in pilates, yoga, Zumba, fitness, line dancing, swing, hip hop and much more! To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
Wine Tasting: Château de Pommard | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | $20
Grab your glass and travel with Cedar Stoltenow, your Wine Advisor, on a virtual tour of Burgundy’s largest Monopole vineyard, Château de Pommard’s Clos Marey-Monge. Learn more about the experience, what you’ll be tasting, and how to buy those wines in advance here!
View this post on Instagram
Big Sam’s Funky Nation at Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Join Rock n Bowl for a 90-minute set featuring great music and fun with Big Sam’s Funky Nation!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Let’s Taco-Bout Plant-Based Diets: A Cook Off Party | 11 a.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Free
“Random Acts of Green” wants to dispel the myths many people have about switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Flexitarian, participating in Meatless Mondays, or you want to cut out meat and dairy entirely, but don’t know where to start, Random Acts of Green believes this Plant-Based Cook-Off event is for you!
NOCHI Together | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donation
Twice a week, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) hosts a cooking class led by a local chef and focusing on a specific cuisine. This Thursday, Chef Rebecca Klaskala who trained with John Folse and ran the kitchen at Restaurant R’evolution will help viewers prepare an incredible meal. Learn more here.
Book Discussion with Author Sarah M. Broom | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free, and you can purchase the book here
The Louisiana State Museum is proud to present a virtual evening with Sarah M. Broom, author of “The Yellow House,” 2019 National Book Award winner, in conversation with historian Leslie M. Harris. “The Yellow House” centers around Broom’s childhood home, a yellow shotgun house in New Orleans East, which was ultimately destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. Through this intimate examination of family life, Broom highlights the lesser known history of New Orleans East and explores themes of race, inequality, erasure, and resistance.
View this post on Instagram
New Orleans Renters Rights Chat | 6 p.m. | Facebook Live or Phone Call | Free
Every Thursday, the New Orleans Renters Rights Assembly is hosting a call to educate New Orleanians about what’s going on with rental and mortgage policies, as well as organizing to create a more equitable world. You can call 504-517-5470 to listen in (Meeting ID: 299411967), or watch the livestream on Facebook (link above). There’ll also be opportunities to ask questions.
For the Culture with Kings of Brass | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a thrice-weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Thursday they’re presenting an hour-long set featuring Kings of Brass — a high energy, powerhouse New Orleans brass band!
Mid-City Katrina Service Days | Continuous until September 7 | Submit via #MidCityK15 hashtag or here
The anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is coming up and Mid-City Neighborhood Organization is hosting a socially distant, self-paced community service extravaganza. To commemorate those tragic days, MCNO is encouraging all Mid-Citizens to go out and volunteer. From August 22 until September 7, take a picture of yourself doing the Mid-City improvement service project of your choice and enter to win a $100 gift card at one of dozens of your favorite.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Cardio Blast Live Stream | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link will be sent upon registration) | Free
Join Footprints To Fitness for a free 30-minute cardio workout in partnership with FitNOLA and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. The class is designed for all levels so bring the whole family!
Quarantunes Virtual Concert with Jeff Albert | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Every Friday at 2 pm, the New Orleans Jazz Museum hosts virtual concerts with an exciting mix of talented Jazz musicians, all performing from their homes. This free online series, broadcasting to music fans around the world, highlights the rich culture and history of New Orleans. This episode features Jeff Albert — an accomplished local trombonists who performs regularly in the New Orleans area, as well as throughout the US and Europe.
Virtual Happy Hour at Garden District Book Shop | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Each week during the pandemic, the Garden District Book Shop has hosted a virtual happy hour featuring New Orleans authors and literary lovers. This week’s writers are James Corbyn and Angela & Mark Aspiazu — local historians and co-authors of Secret New Orleans: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Swing by the virtual happy hour for great insight, conversation and the opportunity to have your questions answered!
View this post on Instagram
Fridays from the Funky Uncle! | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged via PayPal, GoFundMe or Venmo
“Friday’s From the Funky Uncle!” is a webcast featuring New Orleans Funk Musicians playing live to raise money for all members of the entertainment community in New Orleans who are in need. Check here later in the week to see who’s performing this Friday!
For the Culture with Shaggadelic | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a thrice-weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Friday they’re presenting an hour-long set with Shaggadelic — featuring Ryan Batiste of the legendary Batiste family. Last month, Ryan released the full album Twilight featuring his lush keyboard-based production, his raps, and hooks that are sometimes Travis Scott-esque auto-tuned vocals or radio ready guest singing from R&B songstresses.
———————————
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.
