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 we get 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, JULY 20
Kitchen Blues | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Michael Pearce is playing an hour-long blues set from his kitchen this afternoon. Give him a listen!
Live Music from SideBar NOLA | Throughout the evening | Website | Donations encouraged
SideBar NOLA has live local music streaming for you seven nights a week (and oftentimes more than once per night). For a full listing of their performances, check out this page.
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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!
Zumba Live Stream | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has partnered with Footprints to Fitness to offer a free 60-minute zumba class on Zoom! The class is led by a dance instructor and is cardio-focused, but appropriate for all levels. Register here and you’ll receive a link to the Zoom class.
TUESDAY, JULY 21
Live FitNOLA Class – Pilates | 10 a.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Tuesday morning, the 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 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).
Reader Meet Writer Event with Anne Gisleson | 4 p.m. | Zoom (email to register and request link) | Free
Join the Garden District Book Club for this very special Zoom event. Kristin Harmel is the international bestselling author of a dozen novels including “The Book of Lost Names,” which she’ll be talking about this week (as well as answering your questions).
Walter Wolfman Washington Live from the New Orleans Jazz Museum Balcony | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different musician on their balcony every week, and this week features one of the accomplished: local legend, Walter Wolfman Washington!
NOCHI Together with Brian Doyle of Rockrose | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donation
Twice a week, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) hosts a cooking class led by a local chef and focusing on a specific cuisine. This Tuesday’s class is focused on Greek food, and participants will learn how to make Gulf shrimp pasta with ouzo tomato sauce and brown butter, zucchini fritters and tzatziki. Once you register, you’ll receive an ingredient list and a recipe so you can prepare yourself to cook along with this week’s guest chef — Brain Doyle of local Greek restaurant, Rockrose. Learn more here.
Doyle Cooper and Ryan Hansler on the “No Audience Live Stream” | 7 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
Buffa’s Lounge has streamed a steady dose of live music from their backroom, and this jazz set with Doyle and Ryan is sure to be a lot of fun!
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.
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For the Culture with Shaleyah Sun Chaser | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Free
House of Blues has been hosting a weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this week they’re presenting international recording and touring artist Shaleyah Sun Changer — known for elegantly bringing something fresh and relatable to every stage she graces. Tune in for her hour-long set!
Clown Town TV Premier Party: Episode 16 | 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 Episode 16 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Art & Zen: Online Meditation Series | Noon | Zoom (link coming soon, check here) | 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.
Inter[SECTOR]: Decarceration and the Arts | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Jo Kreiter, Artistic Director of Flyaway Productions, will be joined by Zoe Boekbinder — New Orleans musician and creator of the Prison Music Project — to discuss how the arts can contribute to the humanization and abolition of incarcerated peoples, given the systemic racism that pervades every aspect of our nation’s criminal justice system.
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A History of New Orleans Architecture (6-Week Seminar) | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | $75 for full 6-week series
Friends of the Cabildo is hosting a 6-week seminar on the history of New Orleans architecture with architect Robert Cangelosi. The series of two-hour seminars will examine New Orleans Architecture from the city’s founding in 1718 to the present day. From the early Colonial and American period to the Modern Movement and Mid-century Modern, each week Mr. Cangelosi will explore the city’s architectural history with 3-4 styles each class for two hours. The seminar is $60 for FOC Members and $75 for general admission. A Zoom link will be provided before the class starts and participants can watch the class for 30 days after each session.
Drawing 101 → Still Life: Draw Your Favorite House Plant | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free, but a $10 donation is encouraged
Join Ogden Museum Educator, Michelle Pontiff, for a series of hour-long, stress free, beginner level online drawing classes designed to improve on and build your drawing skills. Participants are encouraged to tune in each week to learn a new technique and need only a pencil, eraser and paper to join in. Optional additional materials for each class are suggested in each sessions’ description. Explore different mark-making techniques. Use your new found skills to create an artwork based on pattern and repetition.
Live FitNOLA Class — Zumba | 7 p.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Friday at 7 p.m., the class is focused on Zumba, 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 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).
THURSDAY, JULY 23
How to Provide Students with Healthy, Wholesome Food | Noon | Facebook Live | Free
Bertrand Weber has revolutionized Minneapolis Public Schools’ food services, making sure they provide students with healthy, wholesome food, and that the food is sustainably sourced. New Orleans nonprofit, The Food Tank is leading a 30-minute discussion on the topic and all are welcome. Check here for a full listing of The Food Tank’s events for the week.
Hey Y’all, Art Talk! | 2 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
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 looks outside at a panoramic landscape, “View from the Prairie,” by artist Elemore Morgan Jr.
NOCHI Together with Dana Honn of Cafe Carmo | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donationTwice a week, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) hosts a cooking class led by a local chef and focusing on a specific cuisine. This Thursday’s class is focused on environmentally sustainable (and delicious) seafood, and participants will learn how to make Gulf Shrimp & Fish Moqueca (a Brazilian seafood stew) and Pirao (cassava grits). Once you register, you’ll receive an ingredient list and a recipe so you can prepare yourself to cook along with this week’s guest chef — Dana Honn of Cafe Carmo. Learn more here.
Virtual Happy Hour at Garden District Book Shop | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Each week during the pandemic, the Garden District Book Shop has hosted a virtual happy hour featuring (mostly) all things New Orleans literature. This week’s author is Marti Dumas, the author of multiple elementary and middle-grade books (including the Jaden Toussaint series). Have a question about writing, book-selling, teaching, or need a book recommendation? Marti will be available to answer all your questions!
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Father Ron’s 20 Minute Virtual Concert | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Father Ron and Friends plays a short, 20-minutes set every Thursday. Tune in for some great folk music centered around a different theme each week.
Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand on Buffa’s Big Screen | 6 p.m. | Website | Donations encouraged
Tom McDermott is one of this city’s premiere piano players and composers with 17 albums and 85 original tunes to his name. His Thursday night gigs at Buffa’s are stuff of legends, and they’ve remained popular now that they’re virtual. This week he’s joined by the talented, multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand.
Fitness Fusion Class | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom link will be provided once you register | Register here and first class is free
Like a gumbo pot, health and wellness company Footprints To Fitness created their master Fitness Fusion class to provide something for everyone… a true fusion of kickass workout with a whole lot of New Orleans culture. More than just a workout, it’s an experience that combines yoga, pilates, strength training, weight training, cardio, and barre ALL IN ONE CLASS! This class will be live streamed on Zoom. Register on their website to receive a custom link to join. The first class is free & registration is also available on ClassPass. Footprints to Fitness have Zoom classes offered every day of the week, so give their schedule a look.
Latter & Blum At Home Presents Robin Barnes | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
It’s a great week when you get two virtual Robin Barnes performances! In addition to her regular Monday gig, she’s also singing an hour-long set in Latter & Blum’s weekly digital event series featuring local entertainers, artists, writers and guest speakers.
For the Culture with HaSizzle and DJ Rockie | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Free
House of Blues has been hosting a weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this week they’re presenting one of the top five bounce artists in the city, Hasizzle, who will be playing an hour-long set with DJ Rockie.
All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk — Online Screening & Director Q&A | 7:30 p.m. | Zoom | Free
Join New Orleans Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as they watch and discuss the film “All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk,” by local filmmaker Angela Tucker. Professor Tucker will be available for Q&A directly after the screening, which will take place via Zoom. Sign in via the Meeting ID (824 3653 3963) and Password (kinfolk).
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Cardio Blast Live Stream | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link will be sent upon registration) | Free
Join Footprints To Fitness for a free 30 minutes 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!
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Live FitNOLA Class – Zumba | 7 p.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Friday at 7 p.m., the class is focused on Zumba, 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 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).
Fridays from the Funky Uncle! | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations 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 back later in the week to see who’ll be this Friday’s artist!
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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.
