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, AUGUST 28
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 Jeff Albert | 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 Jeff Albert — an accomplished local trombonists who performs regularly in the New Orleans area, as well as throughout the US and Europe.
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’s writers are James Corbyn and Angela & Mark Aspiazu — local historians and co-authors of Secret New Orleans: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Swing by the virtual happy hour for great insight, conversation and the opportunity to have your questions answered!
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 Shaggadelic | 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 Shaggadelic — featuring Ryan Batiste of the legendary Batiste family. Last month, Ryan released the full album Twilight featuring his lush keyboard-based production, his raps, and hooks that are sometimes Travis Scott-esque auto-tuned vocals or radio ready guest singing from R&B songstresses.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
Belly Dancing Online Class | 11:30 a.m. | Zoom (link sent after buying ticket via Venmo or PayPal) | $10 via Venmo or PayPal
All skill levels are welcome to this weekly belly dancing class led by expert dancer Karla Marie. For information about other classes being taught throughout August (both online and in person) check out this list.
Independent Bookstore Day 2020 | 3 p.m. | Zoom | Free, but you can browse Garden District Book Shop online
It’s Independent Bookstore Day! Support Garden District Book Shop by buying books (in-person or online). The day technically goes from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., but the main event is at 3 p.m. when author Amor Towles reads from the exclusive, signed Bookstore Day edition of his story, You Have Arrived at Your Destination.
Porch Fest: The 1980s | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Anais St. John and Harry Mayronne Sr. are back for another round of Saturday tunes. Last week they performed this music of the 1970s, and this week’s hour-long set is all about their favorite tunes from the 1980s!
Freddie Blue & the Friendship Circle Live Stream | 6 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
This “New Orleans-flavored roots band” is delighted to bring you a live-streamed show from Buffa’s Audience Free Backroom. A non-stop two-hour set full of music and laughs.
Live Music from SideBar NOLA | 8 p.m. | Website | Donations encouraged
SideBar NOLA has live local music streaming for you regularly on their calendar. (Check out a full listing of performances here.) Tonight, Phil Degruy is performing a special Katrina commemoration show called, “Lullabies for an Anniversary.”
Tipitina’s TV Season 1: Anders Osborne | 8 p.m. | Nugs.tv (link sent after purchasing ticket) | $11.99
Starting this week, Tipitina’s will be hosting their Tipitina’s TV every Saturday, featuring some of their favorite musicians. Week 1 puts Rebirth Brass Band 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.
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Mid-City Katrina Service Days | Continuous until September 7 | Submit via #MidCityK15 hashtag or here
The anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is coming up and Mid-City Neighborhood Organization is hosting a socially distant, self-paced community service extravaganza. To commemorate those tragic days, MCNO is encouraging all Mid-Citizens to go out and volunteer. From August 22 until September 7, take a picture of yourself doing the Mid-City improvement service project of your choice and enter to win a $100 gift card at one of dozens of your favorite.
Japan-NOLA Jazz Performance Series | 1 p.m. | Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Haruka Kikuchi has been in New Orleans since 2014 and has made a name for herself as a superstar trombonist. Watch her weekly hour-long performance with friends!
Mannish Rascals at Bywater Tracks | 4 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Join Doc Lovett’s Louisiana Remedy from what’s being described as “a little Rock, a little Roll, some nasty Blues and some funky Soul.” Don’t miss this hour-long set!
The Things That Got Us Here (Virtual Album Experience) | 7 p.m. | Online (link sent after ticket purchased) | Pay whatever you can
Great Big Family Productions is proud to present: Sidewalk Prophet’s “The Things That Got Us Here” Virtual Album Experience in 3D. Join Sidewalk Prophets, as they tour “virtually” across the country, giving fans a preview of their upcoming album “The Things That Got Us Here“. The band is known for its creativity and its love of people, and they’re thrilled to be in New Orleans on Sunday night — if only virtually.
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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.
