Another wave of COVID has much of the country on lockdown, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online until we’re pandemic-free Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Eugene Bullard: Hero of Two World Wars | 11 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Join the National World War II Museum for an exciting conversation between two of the country’s leading WWII historians about Eugene Ballard, a truly remarkable man who fought the Germans in both world wars — but for the French rather than his own country, the United States. The Museum’s senior historian, Rob Citino, is joined by John Morrow, one of the country’s leading military historians, to discuss the story of this remarkable American.
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 morning, this 45-minute exercise class is focused on motivating you for a week full of fitness, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings 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)
Robin Barnes Presents #SongBirdatHome | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips 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!
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Live with Helen Gillet | 7 p.m. | YouTube, Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Donation | Tips 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.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Sacramento King | 7 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels hope to turn things around against the Sacramento Kings!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
THNOC Virtual Mardi Gras Field Trip | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The Historic New Orleans Collection is hosting a series of Mardi Gras-related virtual field trips that will be fun and interesting for all ages. Today’s episode is with Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, Class of ‘81 and current President of St. Augustine High School. Dr. St. Charles will share stories about the history of St. Augustine’s band, the Marching 100, during carnival season. He’ll also discuss other aspects of the legendary music program, such as the Spring symphony, and how the rigorous training that Marching 100 band members undergo prepares them for professional music careers.
Live at the New Orleans Jazz Museum | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different musician or band in their courtyard every week. This week they’re featuring the Storyville District Jazz Band!
Live Stream at Buffa’s | 6 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
Buffa’s Lounge has streamed a steady dose of live music from their backroom. Join Doyle Cooper and Ryan Hanseler for a jazz set this Tuesday evening!
For the Culture: J & The Causeways | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Tuesday they’re presenting a two-hour show with locally founded new-aged soul band J & The Causeways. With stunning lead vocals, refined songwriting, a powerhouse rhythm section, and wonderfully intricate horn and guitar melodies, the group began sculpting a robust festival-style sound, winning over crowds at every step of the way.
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Adult Tap Classes | 7:30 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after booking class) | $15
Heidi Taps offers a load of classes at all skill levels throughout the week. Tuesday evening is focused on the beginners, though. The website says this is great for adults with less than six months of tap training, but even if you don’t have any experience, they’ll meet you where you are in the Essential Ingredients series. Learn more here.
Bridges Between Countries Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free (but donation of $20 is suggested)
Musaica is a talented non-profit chamber ensemble of local musicians. This Tuesday night’s concert features the world premiere of Dave Anderson’s Nonet for strings, winds, and harp, along with works by composers from other countries who inspired him. That list includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s Viola Sonata, Paul Hindemith’s Seventh String Quartet, and Alberto Ginastera’s Impresiones de la Puna for flute and string quartet.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Live FitNOLA Class – Yoga | 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 Wednesday at noon, this 45-minute exercise class is focused on yoga, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings 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)
NOLA Aikido Jo (or Wooden Stick) Class | 6:15 p.m. | Zoom | Dues Vary
NOLA Aikido hosts a wide-range of online and in-person classes. Check out their full schedule here. On Wednesday nights, for example, they host a recurring Virtual Jo Class.
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Pajama Jams Concert Series | 7 p.m. | Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Acadiana-based LVVRS (pronounced “lovers”) is this week’s featured band during this House of Blues concert series. The group performs with the power and conviction of modern rockers, but they’ve also got the precision, meticulousness, and attention towards sonic detail suggestive of major pop artists.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns | 8:30 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
In their second game of the week, the Pelicans head to Phoenix to take on the Suns!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4
THNOC Virtual Mardi Gras Field Trip | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The Historic New Orleans Collection is back for another session in their Mardi Gras virtual field trip series. On Thursday they’re talking with historian and writer Rien Fertel about the history of flambeaux — the torch bearers who, for centuries, have lit the way for night parades during Carnival.
Hey Y’all, Art Talk! | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free (suggested donation of $5)
Join the Ogden Museum for a series of engaging conversations about Southern art and artists! Museum Educator, Sara Echaniz, will lead a 30-minute in-depth participatory discussion about an artwork from Ogden Museum’s permanent collection and provide background information about the artist and artwork. This week, the class is titled, “Discussing the Art of Benny Andrews” and participants will be engaged in an examination of his paintings, drawings and collage work. You can find more information here.
Dimensions in Testimony: Liberator Alan Moskin Virtual Opening Ceremony | 1 p.m. | Vimeo | Free
The National WWII Museum is hosting Dimensions in Testimony: Liberator Alan Moskin, an initiative from USC Shoah Foundation that will enable visitors to have a personalized, one-on-one “conversation” with Staff Sergeant Alan Moskin, a member of the 66th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division who helped liberate Gunskirchen concentration camp in Austria. Join the Museum as they celebrate the opening of the exhibit!
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Virtual Concert: Hot 8 Brass Band | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum and Jazz Foundation of America present a one-hour all-star jazz ensemble virtual performance featuring Hot 8 Brass Band.
Live at the New Orleans Jazz Museum | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different musician or band in their courtyard every week. This week it’s several performances! Thursday afternoon features the dynamic Caesar Brothers. Don’t miss them!
NOCHI Together | 5:30 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $10 – $50 donation
The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) has been hosting cooking classes led by top-notch local chefs. This Thursday will feature a class on gnocchi and is cleverly being called Gnocchi Together, featuring Executive Events Chef Scott Maki of NOCHI. You can learn more here, including what the menu will be. RSVP as soon as possible so you’ll have plenty of time to purchase the ingredients you’ll need.
Ariel Lawhon & Deanna Raybourn at Garden District Book Shop | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Join Garden District Book Shop for this Zoom event with Ariel Lawhon and Deanna Raybourn, as they discuss their books, Code Name Hélène and A Murderous Relation. You can learn more about the books and authors here.
For the Culture: Kayla Jasmine | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues is back with another For the Culture series performance. This time they’re with Kayla Jasmine, who has shared the stage and studio with greats such as Kourtney Heart, Nora Jones, Soul Rebels, Kevin Morby, Arcade Fire, Griz, Russ Liquid, and Tank and the Bangas.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Quarantunes Virtual Concert | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Every Friday at 2 p.m., the New Orleans Jazz Museum hosts virtual concerts with an exciting mix of talented Jazz musicians, all performing from their homes. The free online series, broadcasting to music fans around the world, highlights the rich culture and history of New Orleans. This week will feature Stella Health, actress and singer hoping to carry for the torch of jazz museum from greats such as Billie Holiday.
Virtual Concert: Piano Hour with Lilli Lewis | 3 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park present a virtual performance featuring pianist Lilli Lewis.
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 the Shop is joined by musician and author, Ari Herstand, who will be discussing making music during these crazy times, the DIY movement, his new album and more. Grab a drink and join the conversation for this interactive, live streaming event.
New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs | 6 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels continue a busy week as they continue their roadtrip against the Indiana Pacers!
Rupaul’s Drag Race S13 Virtual Viewing Party | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $5
Join drag queen Laveau Contraire and friends every week as they watch Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 13 live on Zoom! Tune in for banter, commentary, and performances from the queens. Participate in the chat to let your voice be heard and discuss the show.
Fridays from the Funky Uncle! | 7 p.m. | Twitch, YouTube Live and 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 back later in the week to see who will be performing this Friday!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Leather Carnival Mask Making Workshop | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $55
The parades might not be happening, but we can still have some creative fun this Mardi Gras season! Join artist and educator Mikhayla Harrell to create a one-of-a-kind, leather mask fitted to your face and embellished with meaningful carnival ephemera! Learn about the history of mask wearing in Venice, Brazil and, of course, New Orleans. Create a simple, elegant and durable mask for your parading in place. Learn more here, including the supplies you’ll need and what will be mailed to you.
Coffee Talk with SAGE New Orleans | 10:30 a.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Free
SAGE New Orleans is a nonprofit composed of concerned residents and older adult service providers created to address the challenges facing LGBT older adults in the New Orleans area. They’re holding a weekly chat every Saturday morning. Click on “Get Tickets” (they’re free) to receive your link to the event.
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Virtual Tour of Louisiana Contemporary | Noon | Zoom (link posted here this week) | Free
Join the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for a virtual tour of Louisiana Contemporary, presented by The Helis Foundation. This tour will be led by René Morales, 2020 Juror and Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator at Pérez Art Museum Miami. You can learn more about the event here, and learn about the exhibit here.
Online Panel: Discussing Louisiana Contemporary | 2 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
After you’ve gone on the virtual tour, there’s a live panel discussion about the Louisiana Contemporary exhibit, presented by The Helis Foundation. It’s an all-star cast of panelists, and you can learn more about them here.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies | 8 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pelicans are back home and they’re hosting the upstart Memphis Grizzlies.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7
The Broad Theater Hosts Virtual Cinema | All Week | Kino Marque and Vimeo | Purchase tickets (see below)
Broad Theater is open for business, but if you’re not ready to step into a theater just yet, they’re partnering with Kino Marquee Vimeo, who are bringing you a rotating selection of movies directly to your home. There are multiple ways to stream the movie (which can be purchased at any time and watched for five days after the purchase). This week there are three selections and you can click on the following links to find out how to purchase tickets for Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, Jazz on a Summer’s Day, and Call Me Brother.
“Throw Me Something Mister” Virtual Parade | Ongoing | Google Play or App Store | Free
Mardi Gras looks different this year, but Krewe of Bacchus is determined to host a parade. Actually — lots of parades. And they’ll be virtual! Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and you’ll be treated to weekly parades fit for all ages. Catch, collect and trade throws from the parade, track the parade, follow krewe members and more!
Online Yoga Session | 10 a.m. | Zoom | Starting at $10
Balance Yoga & Wellness is back with another online yoga class. This one is with teacher Tracey Duncan and has a sliding scale pay option starting at just $10. You can learn more here.
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Bone Alone: Barkus at Home But Not Alone | 2 p.m. | Online | Free
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus encourages you to celebrate the best dog parade on Earth by planning to do Barkus virtually this year. Learn more here, and submit a photo of your pup for the slideshow parade!
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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.
