New Orleans is slowly opening back up, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online until we’re 100%! Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16
31st New Orleans Film Festival | All Week | Online | Price varies
The renowned New Orleans Film Festival is back for its 31st season. In order to adjust to the times we live in, all movies are being screened virtually, or in outdoor, open-air venues. The festival began Friday, November 6, and ends on the 22nd, so there’s plenty of great films and experiences for cinephiles to enjoy! Browse the catalog of movies/events you can access virtually. Some are free, others are approximately $10, or you can buy the unlimited pass for $160. After you purchase a movie, it is available for you to begin watching within the next 16 days. Click here for a full overview of everything the film festival has to offer!
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Live FitNOLA Class – Hip Hop Cardio | 6 p.m | 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 evening, this 45-minute exercise class is focused on hip hop cardio, 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)
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 | 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!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
For Teachers: Professional Learning Network Days | Noon | YouTube Live | Free
Watch along National World War II Museum educators share how to modify Museum activities and lesson plans within an online environment. In this presentation, educators will showcase ways to uncover student thinking and develop student critical engagement while presenting teachers with digital approaches for the use of Museum lesson plans that are ready to deploy in an online classroom. After viewing, connect with other teachers in the Museum’s K-12 Education Facebook group as you share how to use Museum resources and tools to keep students engaged in both face-to-face and digital contexts.
TBC 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 they’re featuring TBC Brass Band for an hour-long set. Don’t miss it!
For the Culture with Lotus Leaf | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram 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-long set with Lotus Leaf — the brainchild of Grammy-nominated and Billboard Top 20 artist Willie Lee Martin, Jr. He’s put together a group of exceptional local musicians aiming to stretch the limits of music while incorporating the roots of funk, hip hop and gospel music.
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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 p.m.
Clown Town TV: Season 2, Episode 7 | 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! This week you’re getting a special Election Day recap episode! Tune in via the Facebook page for Season 2, Episode 7 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Post-Election Market News & Economic Update | 9 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Marigny DeMauriac of deMAURIAC Financial Consulting & Wealth Management is presenting an update on the stock market and the overall health of the economy now that the presidential election is finally over. Don’t miss what is sure to be some savvy financial advice!
Lunchbox Lecture: Drugs and Alcohol During WWII | 11 a.m. | Vimeo | Free
Join Dr. Kristen Burton, Teacher Programs and Curriculum Specialist at the National WWII Museum, and historian of alcohol, as she discusses vice during the Second World War. Bringing your own drink is encouraged, but not required.
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. This week’s online meditation is inspired by Monica Zeringue’s work, Steady Now.
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Live FitNOLA Class – Pilates | 7 p.m. | 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 evening, the 45-minute exercise 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 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)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Electing Roosevelt: 1940 and 1944 (for students and teachers) | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
In 1940, Roosevelt was elected to serve an unprecedented third term in a land-slide electoral victory over Republican Wendell Willkie. While not yet a law, the Presidential limit of two-terms was a tradition set by George Washington. Despite his declining health, Roosevelt secured another electoral victory in 1944. He is the only US President to be elected to four terms. While he remained popular, Roosevelt led the nation through the most challenging years of the 20th century. Join The National WWII Museum as they look back on these two historic elections and Roosevelt’s legacy as President of the United States. Appropriate for grades 9–12.
Hey Y’all, Art Talk! | 2:30 p.m. | 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, “Landscapes and Abstractions: the Paintings of Will Henry Stevens.” You can find more information here.
Poets Galore — Virtual Book Event for “Together in a Sudden Strangeness” | 6 p.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | $5 (can be used as a credit to purchase the book)
In this event by Garden District Book Shop, six noted poets will read from and discuss their work from “Together in a Sudden Strangeness: America’s Poets Respond to the Pandemic.” There will also be a discussion of the book, moderated by its editor. You can learn more about the event here.
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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For the Culture with Clementine Collective | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
The For the Culture series continues with a performance by Clementine Collective — an up and coming band from New Orleans drawing influence from groups like Return to Forever, Snarky Puppy, Brian Blade Fellowship and Led Zeppelin.
Cameron Dupuy & Cajun Troubadours | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Rock ‘n’ Bowl has been serving up a steady stream of virtual concerts. This Thursday night they’re featuring Cameron Dupuy & Cajun Troubadours for a two-hour set!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
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 | 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. This free online series, broadcasting to music fans around the world, highlights the rich culture and history of New Orleans.
Virtual Concert: HispaNOLA Live! | 3 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Welcome to HispaNola Live!, a weekly live music show presented by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. Every week you’ll get the best in live music entertainment all while highlighting some of the city’s most influential Latin culture bearers. This concert features Muévelo!
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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 the real-life best friends behind the book Billions of Besties, Peggy Panosh and Susie Arons will be joining us for a drink and some good conversation. Billions of Besties is a celebration of fascinating and famous friendships both real and fictional. So, grab a drink and your bestie, bring questions, and join in for this special Virtual Happy Hour!
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!
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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.