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 getting those COVID cases back under control. Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
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 with Haruka Kikuchi | 2 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Every Friday at 2 pm, 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 episode features Haruka Kikuchi from Japan — who has made a name for herself as a superstar trombonist right here in New Orleans!
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 they’re featuring Serena Valentino. She’s the author of seven Disney Villain novels including her most recent, Evil Things. Have a question about writing? Book-selling? Villains? Princesses? Bring it on! She’ll answer them all.
Honey Island Swamp Band Live from the New Orleans Jazz Museum Balcony | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different musician or band on their balcony every week, and this week features Honey Island Swamp Band for an hour-long set. You won’t want to miss this local band, whose music has been described as Roots Rock and Bayou Americana!
For the Culture with Robin Barnes | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged
House of Blues has been hosting a thrice-weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Friday they’re presenting an hour-long set with Robin Barnes. Barnes is known for stunning audiences with her powerful voice, earning her the nickname “the songbird of New Orleans.”
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. This week, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes take center stage!
Live Music at Marigny Studios | 7 p.m. | YouTube Live | Tips encouraged
Join Marigny Studios as they host Riarosa this Friday night for an hour-long set. Riarosa is a Baton Rouge band known for music described as lush dream-pop!
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Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen | 9 p.m. | Vimeo and Online | Donations welcome via PayPal or Venmo.
Virtuosic, Grammy-winning jazz pianist Jon Cleary is joined by his band this Friday night on a livestream from the Maple Leaf Bar. Keep an eye out for special guest Nigel Hall during this two-hour set.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Ab Attack Live Stream | Noon | Zoom (link will be sent upon registration) | Free
Join Footprints To Fitness for a free 30-minute workout in partnership with FitNOLA and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. This class is an uptempo cardio and core workout, targeting your abs and helping you get fit!
Porch Fest: Elton John Tribute | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Anais St. John and Harry Mayronne Sr. are back for another round of Saturday tunes. This week they’re focusing on the songs of the great Elton John!
Virtual Opening Night “Make America What America Must Become” | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Join the Contemporary Arts Center for their art-filled virtual opening night celebration kicking off Opening Weekend for “Make America What America Must Become,” An Exhibition of Gulf South Artists, featuring art, performance, and conversations on Facebook Live! You can learn more about the exhibition here and about the schedule of events here.
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After 8 at Rock n Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl has been hosting a lot of great live virtual shows throughout quarantine. This Saturday night is After 8 with a two-hour set of high energy music that makes them one of the most popular bands in Louisiana for weddings, festivals, corporate events, casinos and clubs!
Tipitina’s TV Season 1: The Radiators | 8 p.m. | Nugs.tv (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $11.99
Tipitina’s will be hosting their Tipitina’s TV every Saturday, featuring some of their favorite musicians. Week 5 puts The Radiators center stage for a performance you won’t forget. You can purchase tickets for $11.99 for one week, or $49.99 for the six show series.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Techno Club & The Fillmore present “More Love” | 4 p.m. | Twitch here or here | Tips encouraged
The Fillmore and Techno Club team up to bring you eight hours (!!) of the best techno music in New Orleans! Pop in for their weekly show!
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Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition | 4:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | 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 this Sunday for a three-hour set to end that will get you up and dancing.
L’Union Creole Presents: George French and “Big Fine” Ellen Smith | 6:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
The L’Union Creole series is back with a live stream jazz and old school R&B concert featuring George French (vocals and bass), “Big Fine” Ellen Smith (vocals), Gerald French (drums), Roderick Paulin (sax), and Mike Lemmler (keyboard). Bring your preferred drink and favorite dance partner, and enjoy New Orleans the old fashioned way.
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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.
