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:
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!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Belly Dancing Online Class | 11:30 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after buying ticket via Venmo or PayPal) | $10 via Venmo or PayPal
All skill levels are welcome to this weekly belly dancing class led by expert dancer Karla Marie. For information about other classes being taught (both online and in person) check out this list.
Porch Fest: Carole King Tribute | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Anais St. John and Harry Mayronne Sr. are back for another round of Saturday tunes. This week they’re focusing on the songs of the great Carole King!
New Orleans Virtual Ghost Tour | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $15
Ever wonder what happens to spirits that are unable to cross to the other side? Throughout the world, there are places that are known for being littered with ghosts that walk the street. These cities and towns leave people with a strange feeling that is simply indescribable. Join NOLA Ghosts on this virtual trek through some of the most haunted places in New Orleans!
Vance Orange at Rock n Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl has been hosting a lot of great live virtual shows throughout quarantine. This Saturday night is Vance Orange with a two-hour set of timeless soul, R&B, funk and blues.
Tipitina’s TV Season 1: Tank & The Bangas | 8 p.m. | Nugs.tv (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $11.99
Tipitina’s will be hosting their Tipitina’s TV every Saturday, featuring some of their favorite musicians. Week 4 puts Samantha Fish center stage for a performance you won’t forget. You can purchase tickets for $11.99 for one week, or $49.99 for the six show series.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
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. The fest concludes this weekend so tune in to WWOZ.org on Friday through Sunday 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!
Pajama Jam | 11 a.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Have a late morning breakfast or an early brunch in your jammies while Carmela Rappazzo plays some tunes for you. She’ll be joined by Oscar Rossignoli and Amina Scott!
Saints vs Tampa Bay Virtual Tailgate Party | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
The Saints are back! They’re opening the season against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Who Dat Nation is encouraged to hop on this livestream and start a watch party before the game!
New Orleans Saints Season Opener! | 3:25 p.m. | Watch or listen with these options | Varies
And now that you’ve properly tailgated, it’s gametime! The Buccaneers might look a little different after some notable offseason acquisitions, but the Saints are as strong as ever and ready to make another run at the Super Bowl. Who dat?!
Techno Club & The Fillmore present “More Love” | 4 p.m. | Twitch here or here | Tips encouraged
The Fillmore and Techno Club team up to bring you eight hours (!!) of the best techno music in New Orleans! Pop in for their weekly show!
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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.
