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 4
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).
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Mike’s Kitchen | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Local musician Michael Pearce is back with another hour-long virtual performance from his home! Sometimes there’s food. Sometimes there’s music. Always there’s fun.
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. | 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!
New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers | 7 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels are off to a great start to their season. Tonight they’re up against the Pacers!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Sleepless in NOLA with Dr. Vyas | 10 a.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Do you have questions about sleep? Why do we dream? Why can’t you get enough? Dr. Vyas is here to answer them during this free session!
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 trumpeter Wendell Brunious!
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Rendez-Vous de l’Alliance: Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Alliance Francaise of New Orleans hosts a monthly Meet and Greet series, spotlighting francophone or Francophile academics, artists, community organizers, and activists is now online, and known as “Les Rendez-Vous de l’Alliance!” The first in this series will feature Amy Kirk Duvoisin, founder of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc Parade.
Yuko and Keiko’s Blues Night | Facebook Live | 8 p.m. | Tips encouraged
Celebrate the New Year in this special blues concert featuring Yuko “Lady Butterfly” Kido on vocals and harmonica, and Keiko Komaki on keyboard!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6
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.
Lunchbox Lecture at The National World War II Museum | 11 a.m. | Facebook Live | Free
The National World War II Museum joins Rebecca Bush, Curator of History at The Columbus Museum, as she discusses how Columbus became known as “Mother-in-Law of the Army” and how World War II made both Columbus and Fort Benning integral components of US military training for generations.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder | 7 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels have three games in five days this week! Tonight they’re taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Bywater Bakery King’s Day King Cake Kick-Off! | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Bywater Bakery is used to kicking off Carnival with an unforgettable Twelfth Night party. Things might look different this year because of COVID restrictions, but they’re bringing their party online with local greats such as Leyla McCella, John Boutte, Charmane Neville and many more! Click here to learn more about the event, as well as all of the amazing king cakes they have for sale (for pick-up or shipping!).
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
Hey Y’all, Art Talk! | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | $5 suggested donation
Join the Ogden Museum for a series of engaging conversations about Southern art and artists! On four Thursday afternoons this summer, 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 discuss numerous artworks in the museum’s permanent collection and how they relate to social justice issues. Learn more here.
NOCHI Together | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donation
The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) has been hosting cooking classes led by top-notch local chefs. This Tuesday features Argentinian cuisine with the Institute’s Executive Events Chef, Scott Maki. You can learn more here!
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Author Rachel Hawkins – The Wife Upstairs | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free (but you can purchase a copy of the book here)
In partnership with The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, Octavia Books invites you to a “Reader Meet Writer” virtual event featuring author Rachel Hawkins presenting her new novel, The Wife Upstairs — a thrilling twist on a Jane Eyre classic!
Virtual Victorian Seance! | 8:30 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $33
Join in on the gift of psychic connection and experience an old school haunted holiday classic Seance event that does it all! The class is led by Bloody Marys Tours and you can learn more here.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Coushatta Cultural Legacies by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) | 11 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
LEH is hosting Lifetime Contributions to the Humanities honorees Berney and Linda Langley in conversation with Arizona State University historian Dr. Denise Bates. The discussion will be focused on the Langleys and their extraordinary efforts to preserve and promote Coushatta history, language and culture. LEH has been hosting some amazing virtual programming, and you won’t want to miss this!
Live FitNOLA Class – Yoga | Noon | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes each week. This Wednesday at noon, the 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 pilates, yoga, fitness, line dancing, swing, hip hop and much more! To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
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 Happy Hour: Book Club Edition | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Do you want to read more in the new year? Have you ever thought about joining or starting a book club? If so then this is the Happy Hour for you! During this interactive conversation Garden District Book Shop will talk this week to poet and Windowsill Pie co-owner Nicole Eiden.
Willie Green Project featuring Roderick Paulin | 6:15 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
This week the Willie Green Project is featuring Roderick Paulin!
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New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornet | 7 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels are in the primetime slot against the Charlotte Hornets. Don’t miss it!
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.
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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.
