Bars are closed again 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, SEPTEMBER 7
Festing in Place: The Next Fest Thing | 11 a.m. | WWOZ.org | Donations encouraged
In April and May, millions of people worldwide “Fested in Place” with WWOZ. Back by popular demand, they will present a new seven-day virtual festival featuring classic live sets from New Orleans music legends past and present. While Jazz Festing in Place showcased the scope and depth of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with The Next Fest Thing WWOZ’s aim is to show you the entire city-wide picture of live music in New Orleans. All week long, tune in to WWOZ.org from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. for iconic music and interview segments highlights the music, food and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana!
And a Bottle of Rum with Wayne Curtis | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing tickets | $50
Rum is the spirit of the New World — a liquor that took root in the West Indies in the 17th century before it roamed throughout the hemisphere, often dissolutely, often playing intriguing and sometimes crucial roles in history — the American Revolution, the slave trade, piracy, Prohibition. This three-week class taught by New Orleans-based author Wayne Curtis will lead you on a dive deep into rum, looking at its role in American history, and examining how it’s produced and why it so often varies depending on where it’s made. The class will finish up with a session on contemporary rum — how it’s made today, how craft distilling has brought rum production back to the United States, and how best to enjoy rum neat or in mixed drinks. Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in 10 Cocktails, and is a former contributing editor at The Atlantic magazine. He currently writes about cocktails and spirits for The Daily Beast, Imbibe, and Garden & Gun, among other publications.
Marina Orchestra from Buffa’s Lounge | 6 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
This local band is worldbeat rock n’ roll soaked in tropical sun vibes, and they’ll be performing a fun and musical set from Buffa’s Audience Free Backroom.
Audacious Hoops Virtual Hula Hoop Class | 6 p.m. | Zoom | $10 suggest donation
Would you like to explore body and movement via the art of hula hooping? If so, join Audacious Hoops for their classes — held every Monday in September — for students of all skill levels, including total beginners! You can join via the Zoom link, above. The Meeting ID is 785 7253 6631, and the Passcode is HoopClass. It’s a great way to exercise while learning something new and fun! Learn more here.
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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!
Mike Dillon & James Singleton from SideBar NOLA | Throughout the evening | Website | Donations accepted here
SideBar NOLA has presented live local music throughout nearly all of quarantine. Tonight they’re featuring Mike Dillon & James Singleton! For a full listing of their performances, check out this page.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Live FitNOLA Class – Morning Motivation | 10 a.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 Tuesday morning, this 45-minute 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).
Leadership and the Legislative Process: a Two-Part Series | 11 a.m. | Online (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $10
Join YLC and former state legislators Julie Stokes and Walt Leger for an exciting two-part webinar focusing on the state legislative process. The two webinars, held September 8th and September 15th, will have two unique topics and offer participants Julie and Walt’s insight into lessons learned while serving in the legislator and how every citizen can participate in the process.
The Nayo Jones Experience 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 The Nayo Jones Experience for an hour-long set!
Drink & Learn: Ice & its Influence | 5 p.m. | WebEx Events (link sent after ticket purchase) | $30 (for cocktail kit)
Explore the unique past of ice and learn about the journey of ice through the new world up to the debut of blenders behind the bar. Delight in a delicious julep and learn how to make them at home! Hosted by Drinks Historian Elizabeth Pearce.
In Conversation with Author M.O. Walsh | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket/book) | $27 – $32 (includes book)
Join Octavia Books for a special evening online with M.O. Walsh celebrating the launch of his new novel, The Big Door Prize. He will appear in conversation with author Daniel Wallace, author of Extraordinary Adventures and Big Fish.
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 The Wild Magnolias | 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 The Wild Magnolias — the iconic Mardi Gras Indian tribe who also record and play as a funk musical band.
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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.
Quarantini Happy Hour World Tour with Jon Cleary | 8 p.m. | YouTube and Facebook Live | Donations welcome via PayPal or Venmo.
Virtuosic jazz pianist Jon Cleary plays an hour of music with another guest every Tuesday night. This week Mr. Cleary is joined by Jamison Ross.
Clown Town TV Premier Party: Season 2, Episode 3 | 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 9
Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation | 11 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registration) | Free
Join the National World War II Museum and author Robert Fieseler for a conversation about his book, Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation. It was one of the great tragedies in New Orleans history — 32 people were murdered by arson — and the book and conversation will focus on the events of that night, the controversies in the aftermath of the fire, and the activism that followed and proved essential to the emergence of a fledgling gay movement.
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 Ben L. Culwell’s Technol.
Geaux Live NOLA Presents: Gabrielle Cavassa | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The Geaux Live NOLA series is back and presenting your favorite musicians on a live stream from the House of Blues this Wednesday afternoon for an hour-long set. This week, Gabrielle Cavassa graces the stage!
Virtual Cooking Class: Filipino Adobo | 4 p.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Free
Learn to cook a delicious Filipino Adobo with Lovella Calica and Bastion Community of Resilience. For more information and a list of ingredients, go here.
Virtual Gold Rush | 5 p.m. | WebEx Events (link sent after ticket purchase) | $29 (for cocktail kit)
Widely considered a modern-day classic, this drink was introduced at the ground-breaking bar Milk & Honey in NYC in the early 2000s. It is a simple, delicious variation on a whiskey sour. Honey syrup can be made by mixing two parts of honey to one part of hot water, and the dilution helps in ease of pouring it in cocktail recipes. The Sazerac House will teach us how to make the perfect Gold Rush in this 45-minute class!
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September Book Club Meeting | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after emailing) | Free (book can be purchased here for a 20% discount)
Garden District Book Shop hosts a monthly book club, and this month they’re discussing We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin.The meeting will be held via Zoom and Ruffin will be joining the conversation. You can join, too, just send an email here to get the link and join more about the club here.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Young Readers Author Talk: “Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in WWII” | 11 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free (you can purchase the book here)
Join curator Josh Schick and Authors Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs as they discuss their new book, Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in WWII. The story of Andrew Higgins and his Higgins Boats is a story about New Orleans, so you won’t want to miss this presentation hosted by the National World War II Museum!
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 works by Kendall Shaw, ranging in style from Abstract Expression to Pattern and Decoration. 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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Lauren LoGuidice and The Melania Trump Road Show | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The Melania Trump Road Show brings audiences together through a lively comedic romp of standup comedy, sketches, and videos to inspire them to get off their butts and vote! This virtual event will combine the talents of comedian and Melania Trump impersonator Lauren LoGiudice and stand up comedian Jesse Sneddon. LoGiudice will also talk about her book, Inside Melania, and take your questions!
Words Whispered in Water – Second Thursday Lecture | 6 p.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Free (book sold here)
Join author Sandy Rosenthal as she discusses her book, Words Whispered in Water, about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina — one of the worst disasters in U.S. history. Rosenthal chronicles the story of one woman’s fight to expose a mammoth federal agency.
For the Culture with Anjelika Jelly Joseph | 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 Anjelika Jelly Joseph. Joseph isn’t just an American Idol Top 48 Finalist. She’s also the lead singer of local favorite, Galactic.
Latter & Blum at Home Presents Lisa Pasold | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Lisa Pasold is an award-winning writer and storyteller with five published books, both poetry and fiction. She will perform on Latter & Blum At Home, a digital event series featuring local entertainers whose incomes have been wiped away by COVID-19. And, during this event, Lisa will tell a unique ghost story created especially for you!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
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!
Ciné-Club à la Maison | 2 p.m. | Zoom | Free
Each week during quarantine, Alliance Française of New Orleans hosts a club for lovers of French film. This week’s film is Une Saison en France. You can watch the 2018 film on Amazon Prime in advance of the conversation.
Quarantunes Virtual Concert with Meghan Swartz | 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 Meghan Swartz — one of the city’s most sought-after and respected pianists, songwriters and music instructors.
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 of their own booksellers! Have a book industry question? A Garden District Book Shop specific question? Or maybe even a question completely unrelated to books? Garden District Book Shop staff will be ready to answer them!
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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 Mia Borders | 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 Mia Borders — winner of the 2016 Best of the Beat Awards in the category of Best Female Vocalist!
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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.
