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, JANUARY 25
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 | 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.
New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs | 8 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels hope to turn things around against the San Antonio Spurs!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26
King Cake for Art Education Fundraiser | Ongoing through 2/16 | Online | $10
Ogden Museum’s annual King Cake Walk event is taking on a new format! This year you can taste King Cakes from the comfort of your own home while supporting the Ogden Museum Education Department and local bakeries! When you donate $10 to the King Cake for Art Education Fundraiser supporting Ogden Museum’s Education Department and educational programming, you will receive a voucher for 20% off of your King Cake purchases at Bittersweet Confections, Breads on Oak, Compagnon Bakery and Sucré! There’s also a raffle and a mask-making workshop. Learn more here!
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 Ted Dunaway of the 610 Stompers dancing and marching club. One of the founding performers of the group, Ted will share how the ordinary men with extraordinary moves have been using dance to spread joy at Mardi Gras parades since 2009.
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 SaxKixAve!
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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!
Gulf South Writer in the Woods Ladee Hubbard in Conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Join Gulf South Writer in the Woods Ladee Hubbard and culinary historian Jessica Harris for a discussion of Hubbard’s new novel, The Rib King.
For the Culture: Neshia Ruffins | 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 local Treme musician Neshia Ruffins. Neshia and the Young Franchise has an old-school-mashed-with-new school-vibe that will guarantee to get a virtual crowd moving!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27
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.
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).
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
In observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, The National WWII Museum will present a virtual webinar with Mr. Steven Hess. He and his twin, Marion Ein Lewin, were born 45 minutes apart on January 14, 1938, in Amsterdam, Holland—children of German-Jewish refugees who had fled the Nazis. They are among the few twins who survived the concentration camps, and at this point quite possibly the last. Learn more here.
Pajama Jams Concert Series | 7 p.m. | Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
New Orleans native Mike Doussan is this week’s featured performer during this House of Blues concert series. He has a long local history and you’ll hear it in his music during this two-hour show.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers | 8 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
In their second game of the week, the Pelicans host the Washington Wizards.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28
World War II: Witnesses and Memory Liberators and Liberated | 11 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Join the National World War II Museum for an engaging roundtable discussion regarding the experiences of those who did the liberating and those who were liberated in Europe in 1945, and how institutions and scholars preserve and teach this history. Learn more here.
Art & Zen Contemplation Practice | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registration) | $5 suggested donation
Kick off the new year with a dedicated monthly contemplation practice with Ogden Museum of Southern Art, every fourth Thursday of the month! Enjoy a “lunch break” mindfulness meditation looking at the work, “Tzitzit (Threads),” by Hannah Altman from the PhotoNOLA CURRENTS 2020 exhibition. Learn more here.
Meet the Author: Sharon Cameron | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
In observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, The National WWII Museum’s education staff will talk with young adult author Sharon Cameron about her new book, “The Light in Hidden Places.” It is a remarkable story of bravery and resilience based on the true story of one of history’s hidden heroes: Stefania Podgórska, who hid thirteen Jewish people in her attic during WWII. This interactive student webinar will allow students to ask Sharon Cameron about her research and writing and learn more about the Holocaust from The National WWII Museum. This webinar is appropriate for grades six and up.
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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 gumbo preparation with Chef Scott Maki, the Executive Events chef at 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.
The Gates to Guinée – Alys Arden in Conversation with Kami Garcia | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing book) | $16.99
Join Octavia Books for a virtual event with YA author Alys Arden celebrating her new novel Gates of Guinée (Book 4 of The Casquette Girls series) in conversation with Kami Garcia.
For the Culture: Burris | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
For the Culture is back with Burris — the NOLA-based roots-rock band described as “a gumbo of music!” The group mixes soulful vocals with jazz harmonies and funk grooves creating a unique southern sound, and they’re scheduled for a two-hour set you’re sure to love.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29
NOMA Book Club Group Discussion | Noon | Email here or call 504-658-4113 to sign up or ask questions | Free
The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. It is an informal group open to anyone on a month-to-month basis. You do not have to attend every meeting or read every book! In addition to monthly book discussions, the Book Club meets periodically for curatorial programs related to the book selections. Learn more about this month’s book — as well as future books — here.
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.
Virtual Concert: Piano Hour with Charlie Dennard | 3 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
The New Orleans Jazz Museum and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park present a virtual performance featuring pianist Charlie Dennard.
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 author Alys Arden, author of The Casquette Girls series. The fourth installment in the series, The Gates of Guinée, hits shelves Jan 19th! Grab a drink and join the conversation for this interactive event as they talk New Orleans, books, joining the circus, and more!
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New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN; Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels continue their busy week as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks as part of their homestand.
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!
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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.
