Things are slowly returning to normal, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online if you’re not quite ready yet! Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
MONDAY, JULY 13
Kitchen Blues | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Michael Pearce is playing an hour-long blues set from his kitchen this afternoon. Give him a listen!
Live Music from SideBar NOLA | Throughout the evening | 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.
Live with Helen Gillet | 7 p.m. | YouTube, Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Donations accepted
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.
Mariana Orchestra on the “No Audience Live Stream” | 6 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
This local band is worldbeat rock n’ roll soaked in tropical sun vibes, and they’ll be performing a fun and musical set from Buffa’s Audience Free Backroom.
View this post on Instagram
TUESDAY, JULY 14
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, both, in the evening and during the day). This Tuesday morning, 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 pilates, yoga, 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)
The Adonis Rose Quintet Live from the New Orleans Jazz Museum Balcony | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free, but you can purchase their CD here
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different band on their balcony every week, and this week features accomplished jazz ensemble, The Adonis Rose Quintet! They’ll be playing a lot of their own music, which you can purchase via the CD, above.
Bastille Day on NOCHI Together | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | By Donation
NOCHI wants us to come together in our respective kitchens to celebrate French culinary culture on Bastille Day with the Francophile community (and those who appreciate it) here and abroad. Join them July 14 for a tasty virtual cooking class led by guest chef Charles Regnard, with our partners, the French Consulate of Louisiana and Café Degas! You can find out the menu, how to register, and when you’ll receive the shopping list here.
View this post on Instagram
Bastille Day Online! | 5:30 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free, but you can purchase a Bastille Day Bag here to support Alliance Française of New Orleans
Join Alliance Française of New Orleans for their Bastille day Fete en ligne this year! Put on your “Frenchiest” outfit and grab something to toast. More information coming soon here.
Stephanie Soileau in Conversation with Anne Gisleson | 6 p.m. | Zoom (RSVP here for link) | Free
Join the Garden District Book Club for this very special Zoom event. Accomplished local writer and writing teacher, Anne Gisleson will be talking with Stephanie Soileau about Soileau’s book, “Last One Out Shut Off the Lights.” The collection of stories is an evocative portrait of the last-chance towns of southwest Louisiana, where oil development, industrial pollution, dying wetlands, and the ever-present threat of devastating hurricanes have eroded their inhabitants’ sense of home.
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.
Clown Town TV Premier Party: Episode 15 | 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 Episode 15 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Art & Zen: Online Meditation Series | Noon | Zoom (link coming soon, check here) | 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.
A History of New Orleans Architecture (6-Week Seminar) | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | $75 for full 6-week series
Friends of the Cabildo is hosting a 6-week seminar on the history of New Orleans architecture with architect Robert Cangelosi. The series of two-hour seminars will examine New Orleans Architecture from the city’s founding in 1718 to the present day. From the early Colonial and American period to the Modern Movement and Mid-century Modern, each week Mr. Cangelosi will explore the city’s architectural history with 3-4 styles each class for two hours. The seminar is $60 for FOC Members and $75 for general admission. A Zoom link will be provided before the class starts and participants can watch the class for 30 days after each session.
Drawing 101: Exploring Mark-Making and Pattern | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free, but a $10 donation is encouraged
Join Ogden Museum Educator, Michelle Pontiff, for a series of hour-long, stress free, beginner level online drawing classes designed to improve on and build your drawing skills. Participants are encouraged to tune in each week to learn a new technique and need only a pencil, eraser and paper to join in. Optional additional materials for each class are suggested in each sessions’ description. Explore different mark-making techniques. Use your new found skills to create an artwork based on pattern and repetition.
View this post on Instagram
Live FitNOLA Class — Barre Above (Certification Program) | 6 p.m. | Zoom | Free
Are you interested in getting your certification to teach Barre classes? This class by the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) can help you get there! NORDC has all types of virtual exercises classes during the day and night, though, so check out a full list of offerings here and here to find out when they’ll be leading classes on yoga, pilates, 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).
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Healthcare, Technology and Innovation Summit | 9 a.m. | Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube Live | Free
A virtual event highlighting healthcare and technological innovation with a focus on educating and providing accessibility to healthcare to vulnerable communities. Knowledge regarding innovation in these fields is critical as we learn to navigate the reality moving forward and are determined to integrate technology into routine by leveraging the advancements at our disposal.
Digital Marketing Tips During COVID-19 | Noon | Zoom | Free
The only thing certain about the next twelve months is that no one knows what to expect. That doesn’t mean that you can’t grow your business in the next year. It only means it’s going to be challenging — but with great difficulty, comes great opportunity. As the CEO of Online Optimism, Flynn Zaiger spends his day helping businesses of all sizes face the world of digital marketing, and grow through any means necessary. This talk will help you analyze your current digital marketing status, and what you can be doing to grow through COVID-19.
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 (mostly) all things New Orleans literature. This week’s author is Tim MacGabhann, who will be joining Garden District Book Shop from Mexico City! Tim’s debut novel, “Call Him Mine,” will be released in the United States in the next month.
Father Ron’s 20 Minute Virtual Concert | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Father Ron and Friends plays a short, 20-minutes set every Thursday. Tune in for some great folk music centered around a different theme each week.
Ogden After Hours At Home | 6 p.m. | Zoom and Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Ogden Museum has made their weekly “Ogden After Hours” series a virtual hour-long event featuring Southern musicians and DJs performing from the comfort of their own homes. This week’s featured artists are Dianella & the Arrows! The ensemble features Daniella, a classical violinist turned rock vocalist who delivers a powerful sound. The band is full of energy and delivers imaginative and inquisitive lyrics driven by compelling rhythms.
View this post on Instagram
Simple Steps to Start and Grow Your Business | 6 p.m. | Online (register here) | Free
Starting and growing a business can be an exciting process. However, there are a few things that you should be aware of if you want to be competitive. Join SCORE mentors (New Orleans) for their Simple Steps to Business webinar. Find out more information here.
Fitness Fusion Class | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom link will be provided once you register | Register here and first class is free
Like a gumbo pot, health and wellness company Footprints To Fitness created their master Fitness Fusion class to provide something for everyone… a true fusion of kickass workout with a whole lot of New Orleans culture. More than just a workout, it’s an experience that combines yoga, pilates, strength training, weight training, cardio, and barre ALL IN ONE CLASS! This class will be live streamed on Zoom. Register on their website to receive a custom link to join. The first class is free & registration is also available on ClassPass. Footprints to Fitness have Zoom classes offered every day of the week, so give their schedule a look.
For the Culture with Captain Green | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Free
House of Blues has been hosting a weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this week they’re presenting the funk powerhouse ensemble, Captain Green. The band just celebrated their 10-year anniversary and have been collaborating with soul singer Jovin Webb from American Idol!
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Cardio Blast Live Stream | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link will be sent upon registration) | Free
Join Footprints To Fitness for a free 30 minutes 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!
Ciné-Club à la Maison: Trois Souvenirs de ma Jeunesse | 2 p.m. | Zoom | Free
Each week during quarantine, Alliance Française of New Orleans hosts a club for lovers of French film. This week’s film is the beautiful 2019 movie, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” Check out the event page for a list of spots you can stream the film in advance of the conversation.
View this post on Instagram
Live FitNOLA Class – Zumba | 5 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 Friday at 5 p.m., the class is focused on Zumba, 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, 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).
———————————
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.
