Things are slowly returning to normal, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online if you’re not quite ready yet! Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this weekend:
FRIDAY, JULY 3
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!
Roland Guerin Live! | Noon | Facebook Live | Free, but album for purchase
Extraordinary bassist and songwriter Roland Guerin is live streaming for an hour-long show in collaboration with the Louisiana Music Factory. He’ll be playing songs from his new release “Grass Roots” and will debut a new song, “Hickery Dickerey.”
Ciné-Club à la Maison: Un + Une | 2 p.m. | Zoom | Free
Each week during quarantine, Alliance Française of New Orleans hosts a club for lovers of French film. You can watch the movie here ahead of time so you’re ready for the Friday Zoom discussion!
Essence Fest: Beauty Without Limits | 5 p.m. | Website | RSVP for free, donations for fundraiser encouraged
In light of everything you’re juggling, it’s understandable if beauty hasn’t been a top priority. Nonetheless, taking care of yourself should be. Trying new looks whether for playful enjoyment or a powerful presentation gives us a lift to shine brighter. Join Essence Fest from the comfort of home to receive advice and tutorials from top beauty experts. Hear as many as four incredible hours of curated conversations about personal care, aging and self-image with your favorite celebrities and influencers. Discover products, styles and inspiration to celebrate your unique beauty. See what you missed last week here, and check out this week’s panelists (including Laverne Cox, MC Lyte, Vanessa Williams and more) here.
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Live Music from SideBar NOLA | 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | Website | Donations accepted here
SideBar NOLA has live local music streaming for you nearly every night of the week. For a full listing of their performances, check out this page. This Friday features groups including Helen Gillet, Jeb Stuart and many more!
Ellis Marsalis Tribute Night | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Every week Snug Harbor hosts a tribute show to the recently departed New Orleans music legend, Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Swing by their Facebook page at approximately 8 p.m. and they’ll post the link to what’s become a very popular series of shows.
Essence Fest: After Dark | 9 p.m. | Website | RSVP for free, donations for fundraiser encouraged
Get the weekend started right with music and comedy from some of your Essence Fest favorites. Sit back and kick it with the Fest virtually until the end of the night! Check out the full lineup (including Fireboy, Ranti, Kush Mahleka, Mi Casa and more) here.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Virtual Piano Lesson with Jon Cleary | Noon | YouTube and Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Want to learn a little piano? Or would you just like some insight into how greats like local Jon Cleary gets to be so great? Check out this one hour piano lesson with the man himself!
Essence Fest: On the Frontlines for Our Future | 1:30 p.m. | Website | RSVP for free, donations for fundraiser encouraged
Raise your voice with influential thought leaders and change agents as they educate and equip our communities to stand fearlessly in the fight for the future. From the latest on the 2020 election to empowering our communities politically, economically, and spiritually, Essence Fest is getting vocal about all the hot-button issues you don’t want to miss during this virtual town hall. See what you missed last week here, and check out this week’s panelists (including Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Al Sharpton, Sarah Jessica Parker and more) here.
Porch Fest: The Favorites | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Anais and Harry are back for another round of Saturday tunes. This week, they’ll be performing some of their favorites from previous Porch Fest’s during an hour-long set.
Essence Fest: Your Guide to Upcoming Releases | 6 p.m. | Website | RSVP for free, donations for fundraiser encouraged
Catch your Hollywood faves in interviews and Q&As streaming live! Plus, be the first to see exclusive sneak peeks for the hottest upcoming releases. See what you missed last week here, and check out this week’s line-up (including Kiki Layne, Tamela and David Mann, Gia Peppers and more) here.
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Essence Fest: Evening Concerts | 7 p.m. | Website | RSVP for free, donations for fundraiser encouraged
Here’s the big sh’bang — Essence Fest’s evening concert series goes digital! Catch their all-star lineup in performances to benefit and celebrate their Essential Heroes, Black-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs. See what you missed last week here, and check out this week’s line-up (including Michelle Obama, Bruno Mars, Tank and the Bangas, Amanda Black, Big Freedia and many more) here.
Murda Mystery Presents: 4th of July Bass Ball | 9 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Tune in to this July 4th party featuring talented DJs, live painting, flow artists and much more. The DJ lineup includes Astro Glitch, Sqvach, LucidBeatz, $Kooby McMurda, and SINthetik Messiah.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Sounds of Solidarity with Dave Easley | 10:30 a.m. | Facebook Live | Donations for fundraiser encouraged
Join Live Oak Cafe for a virtual Sunday brunch with local guitarist Dave Easley. He’s donating 50% of tips to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. If you write in “SOLIDARITY” in your Venmo donation, you can get 20% off a meal at Live Oak.
Big Sam’s Funky Brunch | Noon | Facebook Live | Free
One of New Orleans’ most popular bands is getting funky this Sunday! Hanging out at home or outside on Sunday? There’s no better soundtrack.
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Essence Fest: Lift Your Spirits Higher | 11 a.m. | Website | RSVP for free, donations for fundraiser encouraged
The annual all-star Gospel tribute will hit your screen for 2 Sundays back-to-back! Tune in for powerful words of praise by Bishop Paul S. Morton plus music by New Orleans’ very own Greater Sound of Greater St. Stephen FGBC Choir. Then, keep the good feels going with performances by the greatest voices in Gospel including Pharrell Williams, Bri Babineaux, Devon Franklin and many more! Check out the full line-up here, and see what you missed last week here!
Tuba Skinny! A Livestream at the Starlight | 1 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Tuba Skinny is a traditional jazz street band evoking the rich musician history of New Orleans. They’ll be live streaming from The Starlight until 3:30 p.m.
Sunday Swing Livestream from Allways! | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret’s popular Sunday Swing is back — but this time they’re in livestream form! The evening will be hosted by the Royal Street Winding Boys. Join in for some stellar music, and maybe even dust off those dancing shoes!
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.
