Bars are still closed 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 31
Live FitNOLA Class – Morning Motivation | Noon | 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 Monday at noon, this 45-minute class is focused on motivating you for an active and healthy week, 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, pilates, 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).
Eric Jay Dolin in Conversation with Jack E. Davis | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Eric Jay Dolin will be discussing his book, A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes. He’ll be talking with Jack E. Davis and the event is hosted by Garden District Book Shop.
Virtual Cinnamon Swirl Pancake-Making Class | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Learn how to make Ruby Slipper Cafe’s favorite Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes right from home with this free virtual cooking class in collaboration with the Yelp community.
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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.
Monday Night String Band at Buffa’s Lounge | 7 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
The “No Audience” Live Stream series continues at Buffa’s as the Monday Night String Band graces the virtual stage with a fun and lively set!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson 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 Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson for an hour-long set!
Virtual Walking with Whiskey | 5 p.m. | Online (line sent after registering) | $32 for cocktail kit
Join the House Distiller from The Sazerac House for an in-depth journey through the whiskey-making process, and learn how to make a signature Sazerac Rye cocktail! Make sure to purchase your cocktail kit at least 24 hours before the event to ensure it’s ready for you in time.
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 Chapel Hart | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged via Venmo and PayPal
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 Chapel Hart — a trio of women from the Hart family who were named the 2020 Mississippi Songwriters of the Year!
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Tradition Tuesday Live Stream w / Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook | Tips encouraged
Who doesn’t need a little more swamp pop in their lives these days? Join Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition live from virtual Rock ‘n’ Bowl every Tuesday by clicking on the link, above at 7:30.
Clown Town TV Premier Party: Season 2, Episode 2 | 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 2 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
End of War 75th Anniversary: The Pacific | 11 a.m. | Online | Free
Seventy-five years later, The National WWII Museum pays tribute to V-J Day, the end of the war in the Pacific. Join them online to commemorate this historic anniversary and reflect on the legacy and meaning of the end of World War II. The program will include a compilation of some of the Museum’s Oral History collection and a Keynote Speech from historian Richard B. Frank.
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.
Virtual Old Fashioned Making | 5 p.m. | Online (line sent after registering) | Free, but you’ll need to pay for the cocktail-making kit
Join the The Sazerac House and Buffalo Trace Bourbon as their experts teach you how to make the perfect Old Fashioned. Make sure to purchase your cocktail kit at least 24 hours before the event to ensure it’s ready for you in time.
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Jonathan Boogie Long | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Join Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl for a 90-minute concert with Jonathan Boogie Long!
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.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
JFA All-Star Jazz Ensemble | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum and Jazz Foundation of America present an all-star jazz ensemble virtual performance featuring Sullivan Dabney on drums and vocals, Steven Burtchaell on keyboard, Joseph Saulsbury on tenor sax, Dominick Messina on trumpet, Richard Moten on upright bass, Kirk Ford on alto sax, and Herbert Wing on guitar.
In Discussion with Interior Designer and Author Tara Shaw | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Tara Shaw is a celebrity interior designer and self-described “guerilla antiquer.” She’ll be discussing her book, Soul of the Home: Designing with Antiques.
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.
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WWOZ’s Virtual Groove Gala | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live, YouTube Live, WWOZ.org and broadcasting on 90.7 FM | Donations encouraged
WWOZ is hosting their annual Groove Gala virtually, and we’re all invited! Wear your favorite festival attire and celebrate 40 years of WWOZ broadcasting with an incredible line-up including Tank and the Bangas, John Boutté, Samantha Fish, Kermit Ruffins, Amanda Shaw with Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., and Tuba Skinny!
For the Culture with Khris Royal and Dark Matter | 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 Khris Royal and his project, Dark Matter. Khris Royal is a Grammy-nominated sax player, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Dark Matter includes Royal and other New Orleans greats like Trombone Shorty, George Porter, Jr. and Nigel Hall among others.
Trap Bingo | 9 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Free (RSVP here)
Who doesn’t love a good game of Bingo? House of Blues is playing their second edition of Virtual Trap Bingo. Play along with your virtual bingo card, to the tunes of DJ Hawaii5ive-O. Once you RSVP, you’ll receive rules and instructions via email, along with links to your bingo cards.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
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 Carmela Rappazzo | 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 Carmela Rappazzo — an amazing jazz musician who played all over the United States!
Virtual Happy Hour at Garden District Book Shop | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live and YouTube 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 they’re featuring two fellow booksellers — Nicole Brinkley from Oblong Books in Rhinebeck, NY; and Sami Thomason from Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi — to share a little of what life is like at their stores. They’ll also be discussing their favorite books and answering your questions.
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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 Tonya Boyd-Cannon | 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 Tonya Boyd-Cannon. Boyd-Cannon is known for her rare contralto voice that is sharp yet soulful, contemporary and authentic.
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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.
