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, OCTOBER 5
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 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.
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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!
OPSB District 2 Candidate Forum | 7:30 p.m. | YouTube Live | Free
Join Indivisible NOLA as they present an opportunity to learn more about the candidates running for Orleans Parish School Board District 2. Dr. Chanel Payne, Dr. Aldine Lockett, Asya Howlette and Ethan Ashley will all be in attendance to discuss their positions and why they’re running. Submit questions for the candidates at slido.com, event code “District2”
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Hot 8 Brass Band 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 Hot 8 Brass Band for an hour-long set of electric brass!
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Greg Mania: Born to be Public | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Join Garden District Book Shop for a conversation with Greg Mania, who will be discussing his new book, Born to Be Public — a memoir that touches on everything from Greg inadvertently coming out to his Polish immigrant parents, to immersing himself in the world of New York City’s nightlife, to finally finding his voice as a comedian. You won’t want to miss Greg Mania — whos words have been published in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, O, The Oprah Magazine, PAPER, and more.
For the Culture with The Vintage | 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 Tuesday they’re presenting an hour-long set with The Vintage. Duo Rayuana and Tanzaneka have a playlist that will heal the mind, body and soul!
Judicial Candidate Forum | 7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Free
New Orleanians will elect judges for several local courts on November 3rd. Here’s a chance to learn more about some of the candidates. During this hour-long session the NOLA Defenders for Equal Justice (ND4EJ) will be speaking, as well as several of the candidates.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
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 Milly L. Moorhead’s work, Delta Morning Empty Swing.
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Drawing 101: Exploring Positive and Negative Space | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free, but $10 donation is encouraged
In this next class in the Drawing 101 series, learn all about using positive and negative space. Participants are encouraged to tune in each week for a new drawing exercise with Museum Educator, Michelle Pontiff, for an evening of stress-free, beginner-level drawing classes designed to build your drawing skills. This week’s all about learning to draw texture. You can learn more about the session and any materials you might need here.
The Iguanas Live Streaming from Rock n Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Rock ‘n’ Bowl has been serving up a steady stream of virtual concerts. This Wednesday night they’re featuring the Iguanas for a 90-minute set that’s already got 170 attendees on the guest list!
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 third 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.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Young Audiences of Louisiana Leads “Baby Artsplay” | 9:30 a.m. | Facebook Live (link sent after registering) | Free
Young Audiences of Louisiana’s Baby Artsplay!™ is offered as a series of six free 30-minute workshops held weekly to engage young children ages 12-24 months and their caregiver. Now, caregivers can participate in this popular local workshop at home. Learn how to integrate purposeful activities into your children’s daily routine and support their cognitive, physical and social development. Learn more here.
Red Tail, WASP and Firefly: The Aviators of WWII | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
From the Tuskegee Airmen, or “Red Tail Angels” in Europe and Africa, to the Women Airforce Service Pilots on the US Homefront, and the Tokkōtai kamikaze pilots of Japan—Sherri L. Smith has delved into the lesser known stories of World War II aviators to deliver them to a young audience. In this session, Sherri L. Smith will talk about her research and the very human stories behind the history of WWII aviation. From her trip to Japan, to serendipitous discoveries in the stacks of used bookstores across America, she’ll share the nuggets she’s uncovered about these aviators and the sacrifices they made to protect the countries they loved. (This session is designed for students in grades 6 – 12.)
Hey Y’all, Art Talk! | 2 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 will focus on artwork created by self-taught artists in the museums’ collection. You can find more information 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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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
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 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 week features Adam Weiner!
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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’s conversations is with Steven Salvatore, whose debut Young Adult novel, Can’t Take That Away, will be published in March 2021. Bring your bookish questions, grab a drink and join the conversation!
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!
CatchBack at Rock n Bowl | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Complete the Rock n Bowl trifecta with a two-hour set by CatchBack!
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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.
