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, JANUARY 29
NOMA Book Club Group Discussion | Noon | Email here or call 504-658-4113 to sign up or ask questions | Free
The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. It is an informal group open to anyone on a month-to-month basis. You do not have to attend every meeting or read every book! In addition to monthly book discussions, the Book Club meets periodically for curatorial programs related to the book selections. Learn more about this month’s book — as well as future books — here.
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. The free online series, broadcasting to music fans around the world, highlights the rich culture and history of New Orleans.
Virtual Concert: Piano Hour with Charlie Dennard | 3 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free
The New Orleans Jazz Museum and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park present a virtual performance featuring pianist Charlie Dennard.
Virtual Happy Hour at Garden District Book Shop | 5 p.m. | Facebook 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 the Shop is joined by author Alys Arden, author of The Casquette Girls series. The fourth installment in the series, The Gates of Guinée, hits shelves Jan 19th! Grab a drink and join the conversation for this interactive event as they talk New Orleans, books, joining the circus, and more!
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New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN; Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pels continue their busy week as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks as part of their homestand.
Rupaul’s Drag Race S13 Virtual Viewing Party | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $5
Join drag queen Laveau Contraire and friends every week as they watch Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 13 live on Zoom! Tune in for banter, commentary, and performances from the queens. Participate in the chat to let your voice be heard and discuss the show.
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. Check back later in the week to see who will be performing this Friday!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
Coffee Talk with SAGE New Orleans | 10:30 a.m. | Online (link sent after registering) | Free
SAGE New Orleans is a nonprofit composed of concerned residents and older adult service providers created to address the challenges facing LGBT older adults in the New Orleans area. They’re holding a weekly chat every Saturday morning. Click on “Get Tickets” (they’re free) to receive your link to the event.
NOLA Aikido Presents a Physical Distancing Seminar | Noon | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Donations suggested
NOLA Aikido has kicked off the new year with several virtual seminars! This week features a class by Max Eriksson Sensei. He’ll be teaching a one-hour class that focuses on practice you can do while staying distanced. You can learn more about what the class will entail here!
Online Yoga Session | Noon | Zoom | Starting at $10 (mlti-class passes also available)
Balance Yoga & Wellness has a full slate of sessions — many of which take place online! Join AJ Durand for this 75-minute yoga class, but also be sure to check out everything they have to offer here (including an online “Practical Magic Bootcamp” that continues this weekend).
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Sunny Side Jazz Band | Noon | Link posted here before show | Tips encouraged
This classic New Orleans jazz band has developed quite a following on Coliseum Square Park. But if you don’t feel like heading out there, you can enjoy the three-hour show via livestream as well. It’s one of the most fun performances in town!
Cheese and Tea Pairing Class | 3 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $38
Pairing cheese and tea may seem like an unconventional match, but tea lovers know that tea is a drink with real personality, complexity and flavor. Like wine, teas have varying degrees of tannins along with a natural astringency, making it a perfect pairing for cheese. JoinSt. James Cheese Company as they sip their way through three tea and cheese pairings featuring Gachi Tea. Have all your questions about the event answered here!
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’ll present an afternoon of music by the legendary Ray Charles.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets | 7 p.m. | Fox Sports; 100.3 FM
The Pelicans are hoping to get on a hot streak when they host the Houston Rockets this Saturday night!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31
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.
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“Throw Me Something Mister” Virtual Parade | Ongoing | Google Play or App Store | Free
Mardi Gras looks different this year, but Krewe of Bacchus is determined to host a parade. Actually — lots of parades. And they’ll be virtual! Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and you’ll be treated to weekly parades fit for all ages. Catch, collect and trade throws from the parade, track the parade, follow krewe members and more!
Online Yoga Session | Noon | Zoom | Starting at $10
Balance Yoga & Wellness is back with another online yoga class. This one is with teacher Tracey Duncan and has a sliding scale pay option starting at just $10. You can learn more here.
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NOMA Presents Helen Gillet and “Mending the Sky” | 6 p.m. | YouTube Live and Website | Free
Helen Gillet is a singer-songwriter and surrealist-archaeologist who explores synthesized sounds, textures, and rhythms using an acoustic cello. As part of the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Mending the Sky exhibition (which closes today), Gillet will weave together a soundscape using cello, drum machine, sounds in nature, loop pedal, poetry and storytelling. In this solo performance, Gillet will explore the vibrations of sonic disturbance: the tipping points where swollen rivers of human tension and natural imbalances flood the banks of an unsustainable society.
Freddie Blue & the Friendship Circle Band | 6 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
Buffa’s “No Audience Live Stream” series continues with Freddie Blue & The Friendship Circle Band. They’ll be playing a two-hour set featuring Freddie Blue on vocals and guitar, Sam Colgate on drums, John Herbert on harmonica, Bob Netcoh on bass and Johnny Vajner on violin. Enjoy!
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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.
