Another wave of COVID has much of the country on lockdown, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had online until we’re pandemic-free Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
New Orleans Pelicans – Game #2 | 11 a.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
In Game #2 of the season, the Pelicans are taking on the Miami Heat!
New Orleans Saints — Week 16 | 3:30 p.m. | FOX, WWL 870 AM / 105.3 FM, the Saints app | Price Varies
Who Dat Nation tunes in as their Saints hope to build on their 10 – 4 season when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas afternoon!
Benny Grunch & The Bunch | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
This Rock n Bowl Christmas Day tradition continues this year on Facebook Live. Enjoy this 90-minute performance by Benny Grunch & The Bunch!
Friday Night Fever Dance Party | 7 p.m. | Twitch | Become a member here for $5
Disco Dance Party! Put on your 70’s best disco attire and kickoff your weekend with a dance party in your living room. Invite your friends, wherever they live, to become the star of the dance floor, along with you. Contest for best outfit, best dance moves, best disco atmosphere. The watch party is free for Larry Lurkers, but dancing is for Members Only.
View this post on Instagram
Fridays from the Funky Uncle! | 7 p.m. | Twitch, YouTube Live and 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 they’re celebrating the holidays with Debbie Davis, Matt Perrine and friends!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
GLAM U for Teens | 1 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 Saturday afternoon there is a one-hour fitness session for teenagers!To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
Porch Fest! | 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 playing their favorite music from The Rolling Stones!
New Orleans Virtual Kwanzaa | 7 p.m. | YouTube Live and Facebook Live | Free
The New Orleans Kwanzaa Coalition and the New Orleans Public Library African American Resource Collection are presenting a virtual local Kwanzaa celebration each night at 7 p.m. from December 26 through January 1st. Each night will feature some incredible guests from the community including poets, artists, dance companies and more! You can learn more about these special events here.
After Christmas Live Streaming with Pals | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Haruka Kikuchi has been in New Orleans since 2014 and has made a name for herself as a superstar trombonist. She’ll be playing with some of her favorite Japanese musicians — including several in Japan! You can catch the show at 8 p.m. CT (11 a.m. Tokyo time).
View this post on Instagram
Nashville South | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Rock n Bowl is going country this Saturday night with a two-hour show by Nashville South!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27
The Broad Theater Hosts Virtual Cinema | All Week | Kino Marque and Vimeo | 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 Vimeo, who are 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 three selections and you can click on the following links to find out how to purchase tickets for Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, Jazz on a Summer’s Day, and Call Me Brother.
JingleRing Live with Santa! | All Weekend | Online (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $24.95
Here’s a super-safe and fun way for your kids to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Black Santa and Black Mrs. Claus from the comfort of your own home! Spots are booking up, so you should reserve one fast. You can learn more here and here.
View this post on Instagram
Animal Tales’ Holiday Safari | All Month | Facebook Live or Website | Free
The Holiday Safari is coming to town! See eight exotic animals this holiday season from around the world. Animal Tales will open presents and read out hints for you to guess what the next animal could be. Join them to learn all about some amazing animals! You can learn more here.
“Make Way for the New” Yoga Sessions | 10 a.m. | Online (link sent after purchasing tickets) | $34.99 – $49.99
Think of it like a retreat! SATI Yoga will lead two 75-minute sessions this Sunday that will help students learn how to unplug and refresh themselves. If you’re unable to attend at the allotted times, you can also be sent recordings of the sessions. Learn more here.
The Mystery Collection Conversation Live from the New Orleans Vampire Cafe | 1 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
Just a few days before the New Orleans Vampire Cafe’s grand opening, you can get a virtual tour of the French Quarter’s newest restaurant and talk with staff and management. There’s also special guests — such as Dacre Stoker, the great grand nephew of Dracula author, Bram Stoker.
——————
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.
