New Orleans is slowly opening back up, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online until we’re 100%! Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
The Broad Theater Hosts Virtual Cinema | All Week | Kino Marque | 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, who is 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 two selections and you can click on the following links to find out how to purchase tickets for Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, and Jazz on a Summer’s Day.
The American Soldier: Service and Storytelling Through Art and History | 11 a.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Join Hannah Dailey, Oral Historian from The National WWII Museum, for a conversation with Douglas Taurel — writer, director, and actor of The American Soldier. During this program they will take an in-depth look at how storytelling brings soldiers’ experiences to life through both art and historical perspective.
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 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)
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.
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Robin Barnes Presents #SongBirdatHome | 7 p.m. | Instagram Live and 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!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
For Teachers: Professional Learning Network Days | Noon | YouTube Live | Free
Watch along National World War II Museum educators share how to modify Museum activities and lesson plans within an online environment. In this presentation, educators will showcase ways to uncover student thinking and develop student critical engagement while presenting teachers with digital approaches for the use of Museum lesson plans that are ready to deploy in an online classroom. After viewing, connect with other teachers in the Museum’s K-12 Education Facebook group as you share how to use Museum resources and tools to keep students engaged in both face-to-face and digital contexts.
SOUL Brass Band 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 on their balcony every week. This week they’re featuring SOUL Brass Band for an hour-long set. Don’t miss it!
For the Culture with Kid Chocolate | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Tuesday they’re presenting a two hour-long set with Grammy- and Billboard-award winning artist and trumpeter, Kid Chocolate.
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.
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Clown Town TV: Season 2, Episode 7 | 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! This week you’re getting a special Election Day episode! Tune in via the Facebook page for Season 2, Episode 7 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Lunchbox Lecture | 11 a.m. | Vimeo | Free
In 1939, our regular military numbered 334,473 personnel. At the end of the war in 1945, this number had swelled to 12,209,238. 39% were volunteers and the remaining 61% were draftees. This presentation with The National WWII Museum will follow the story of one of these citizen soldiers, Sgt. Charles Edward McGuckin, from his early life in Philadelphia to his induction into the Army and to his death in action while serving with the 4th Armored Division of Patton’s 3rd Army during the Lorraine campaign in November of 1944.
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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 James Henricks’ work, Homage to Anton Bruckner.
For the Culture with the Jamal Batiste Band | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Wednesday they’re presenting a two hour-long set with the Jamal Batiste Band! They’re a renowned crew of music masters playing percussion-charged rock, funk, soul, gospel, hip hop and RnB around the world.
Live FitNOLA Class – Pilates | 7 p.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 Wednesday evening, the 45-minute exercise 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)
James Andrews at Rock n Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Enjoy a night of great music with local legend James Andrews!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
For Students: Exploring the Ecosystems of World War II | Available starting at Noon | Online | Free
World War II truly was a world war and was fought all across the globe. In this interactive video, The National WWII Museum will explore 3 different ecosystems similar to those that soldiers had to face during the war: desert mountains; subtropical swamps; and rocky, sandy beaches. Students will learn about the physical characteristics of these ecosystems and how they influence what plants and animals can survive there. Just like the plants and animals adapted to those landscapes, soldiers in World War II had to adapt in similar ways. The National WWII Museum will be joined by educators from LOOP NOLA and Museum of Science, Boston. Appropriate for grades 3-5.
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 highlight women and abstract art from the Ogden Museum permanent collection. You can find 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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New Photography: Virtual Happy Hour Preview | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registration) | Free
Join the New Orleans Museum of Art for a happy hour exhibition preview of “New Photography: Create, Collect, Compile.” Sign up in advance to join a Zoom session with Russell Lord, the Freeman Family Curator of Photographs, Prints, and Drawings, and Brian Piper, Mellon Foundation Assistant Curator for Photography, as they share the work of four contemporary photographers and discuss themes from the exhibition. Questions and feedback are encouraged.
For the Culture with Love Your Own Noise | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
The For the Culture series continues with a performance by the eight-piece R&B and neo-soul band, Love Your Own Noise.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
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!
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. This free online series, broadcasting to music fans around the world, highlights the rich culture and history of New Orleans. This week features Molly Reeves!
Virtual Concert: HispaNOLA Live! | 3 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Welcome to HispaNola Live!, a weekly live music show presented by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. Every week you’ll get the best in live music entertainment all while highlighting some of the city’s most influential Latin culture bearers. This concert features Amigos do Samba!
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’s conversation is with Hannah Moushabeck. Moushabeck is a book marketer at Quarto Kids and an editor at Interlink Books. She’ll be talking about publishing, as well as what goes on “behind-the-scenes” to get a book into your local indie bookshop. She’ll also share some of the amazing books she’s been working on this year, as well as take time to answer your questions!
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 The Fortifiers | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
In the final For the Culture performance of the week, The Fortifiers are performing a two-hour set. You won’t want to miss this rocking blues and roots band from right here in New Orleans.
Sugar Shaker at Rock n Bowl | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Check out Facebook Live for a set with Sugar Shaker at Rock n Bowl in Mid-City.
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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.
