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 get those COVID cases back under control. Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
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 | 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 Il a déjà tes yeux (He Even Has Your Eyes). You can watch the 2016 film on Netflix in advance of the conversation.
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 author is Helena Dea Bala! Swing by the virtual happy hour for great insight, conversation and the opportunity to have your questions answered!
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For the Culture with Fermin Ceballos | 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 featuring Fermin Ceballos! You won’t want to miss this tri-lingual Afro-Dominican songwriter, musician, bandleader, composer, actor and poet perform original compositions based on his fusion of different sounds and musical rhythms.
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. This Friday the series presents J & The Causeways!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Fitness Fusion Class | 9:15 a.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! 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.
Belly Dancing Online Class | 11:30 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after buying ticket via Venmo or PayPal) | $10 via Venmo or PayPal
All skill levels are welcome to this weekly belly dancing class led by expert dancer Karla Marie. For information about other classes being taught throughout August (both online and in person) check out this list.
Gail Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue | 2 p.m. | YouTube Live | Tips encouraged
If you’re a fan of country music, you’ve almost definitely heard of Gail Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue. This is their third virtual gig and they’ll be playing some of their country favorites mixed in with some originals!
Porch Fest: The 1970s | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Anais St. John and Harry Mayronne Sr. are back for another round of Saturday tunes. Last week they performed this music of the 1960s, and this week’s hour-long set is all about their favorite tunes from the 1970s!
Tipitina’s TV Season 1: Rebirth Brass Band | 8 p.m. | Nugs.tv (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $11.99
Starting this week, Tipitina’s will be hosting their Tipitina’s TV every Saturday, featuring some of their favorite musicians. Week 1 puts Rebirth Brass Band center stage for a performance you won’t forget. You can purchase tickets for $11.99 for one week, or $49.99 for the six show series.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
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.
Japan-NOLA Jazz Performance Series | 1 p.m. | Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Haruka Kikuchi has been in New Orleans since 2014 and has made a name for herself as a superstar trombonist. Watch her weekly hour-long performance with friends!
Mannish Rascals at Bywater Tracks | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Doc Lovett is teaming up with Eddie Christmas, Tomas C. McDonald and Nick Knee for a Sunday afternoon of musical fun. Don’t miss it!
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Sunday Swing Livestream from Allways! | 9:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged for the band and the bar.
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret’s popular Sunday Swing is back — but this time they’re in livestream form! The evening will be hosted by Donosaurchestra. Join in for some stellar music, and maybe even dust off those dancing shoes!
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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.
