Neighbors take to their balconies and porches on Esplanade Avenue after the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was cancelled by the Covid-19 pandemic. Photographed on Saturday, April 25, 2020. (Photo by Michael DeMocker)

What’s Happening (Virtually) This Weekend: May 1-3

by Matt Haines | April 29, 2020

Ya’ll, it’s May already! We know, this May is different. No festivals. More inside. But, there’s still plenty to look forward to this weekend!

FRIDAY, MAY 1

How to Curate an Art Collection | 3 p.m. | Website | Free

As we spend more time at home, art can provide emotional and mental support as we are working from home. But an art collection need not be expensive. Check out this YLC-sponsored event led by Claire Elizabeth Gallery.

Virtual Friday Night Flights | 6 p.m. | Facebook | $25

NOLA Brewing is hosting weekly virtual flight tastings. This week’s focus is on darker beers (including their Blackberry Cobbler Macaron Stout which is one of this writer’s favorite beers). You can buy your beers (meant for two people, but works for between one and four individuals) in advance. You’ll need to pick up your order curbside at the brewery, and then check out this page for the Facebook Live link.

Mannie Fresh | 7 p.m. | Facebook | Free, but gift cards to support The Maison and its staff can be purchased here.

Famous local DJ, Mannie Fresh hosts a popular DJ set (more than 10,000 viewers!) called “Virus-Killaz” each Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Check out his Facebook page for more information as the date gets closer.

Ellis Marsalis Tribute Night | 8 p.m. | Facebook | Free

Every week Snug Harbor has 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 the show. 

Big Freedia’s Friday Night Shakedown | 9 p.m. | Instagram and Facebook | Donated accepted for Big Freedia’s Touring Crew and GNOF’s Disaster Relief Fund

Bounce, shake and wiggle with Big Freedia every Friday night! It’s a great party.

 

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SATURDAY, MAY 2

Fitness Fusion Class | 9:15 a.m. | ClassPass | 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! This class will be live streamed on Zoom. Register on their website to receive a custom link to join. FIRST CLASS FREE & registration is also available on ClassPass. 

Join The Journey for an all levels, high intensity combo class led by founder and media personality April Dupre, that combines yoga, pilates, strength training, weight training, cardio, and barre ALL IN ONE CLASS! 

Jazz Festing in Place | 11 a.m. | WWOZ 90.7 FM | Free 

From 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. during all eight days Jazz Fest was scheduled, WWOZ will broadcast incredible archival festival performances including Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, The Wild Magnolias and many more. There will also be interview segments and recipes from some of your favorite Jazz Fest food items.

Live Music from SideBar NOLA | 4 p.m. | Website | Donations accepted here

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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SUNDAY, MAY 3

Mannie Fresh | 4 p.m. | Facebook, IG Live and Twitch | Free, but gift cards to support The Maison and its staff can be purchased here.

Mannie Fresh is back for a special 90-minute Gospel Get Down set at 4 p.m. He’s playing gospel and inspirational music meant to lift your spirits during these trying times.

J & the Causeways Live Streamed Jazz Fest Set | 12:30 p.m. | Facebook | Free

J & the Causeways were excited for their first-ever Jazz Fest set. As you may have heard, it’s been cancelled, but that isn’t going to stop them. They’re playing their entire Jazz Fest set for you with as much energy as they would have given at the Fairgrounds. Find out more information on their event page as well as where you can find the livestream!

The NOLA Project Sunday Solo Series | 6 p.m. | Facebook | Free

Each week The NOLA Project will feature a cast member performing a solo reading of a short story or brief monologue.

 

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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.

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Matt Haines

Matt Haines

Matt Haines lives in New Orleans and writes about all the cool stuff.
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