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 get those COVID cases back under control. Here are some of the events we’re most looking forward to in Virtual New Orleans this week:
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Marina Orchestra from Buffa’s Lounge | 6 p.m. | Website | Tips encouraged
This local band is worldbeat rock n’ roll soaked in tropical sun vibes, and they’ll be performing a fun and musical set from Buffa’s Audience Free Backroom.
Audacious Hoops Virtual Hula Hoop Class | 6 p.m. | Zoom | $10 suggest donation
Would you like to explore body and movement via the art of hoola hooping? If so, join Audacious Hoops for a four-week course meant for students of all skill levels — including total beginners! You can join via the Zoom link, above. The Meeting ID is 785 7253 6631, and the Passcode is HoopClass. It’s a great way to exercise while learning something new and fun!
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Live with Helen Gillet | 7 p.m. | YouTube, Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Donations encouraged via PayPal, Venmo or Bandcamp
Helen Gillet and her cello are one of the most popular acts in town. While the effects of this pandemic linger, you’re able to hear her every Monday from the comfort of your own couch. Tune in for her weekly set that alternates between light, beautiful and wild.
Robin Barnes Presents #SongBirdatHome | 7 p.m. | Instagram Live and Facebook Live | Donations encouraged
Join Robin Barnes, the Songbird of New Orleans and her husband Pat Casey every Monday night for a one-hour set as they bring a concert right from their living room to yours!
Zumba Live Stream | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has partnered with Footprints to Fitness to offer a free 60-minute zumba class on Zoom! The class is led by a dance instructor and is cardio-focused, but appropriate for all levels. Register here and you’ll receive a link to the Zoom class.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Live FitNOLA Class – Pilates | 10 a.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Tuesday morning, the class is focused on pilates, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings here and here to find out when they’ll be leading classes in Zumba, yoga, fitness, line dancing, swing, hip hop, senior fitness and much more! To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
NOCHI Together | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donation
Twice a week, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) hosts a cooking class led by a local chef and focusing on a specific cuisine. This Tuesday, Chef Toya Boudy will help viewers prepare a delicious menu that includes Italian Chicken (or Fish) and Garden Ravioli. Once you register, you’ll receive an ingredient list and a recipe so you can prepare yourself to cook along with your chefs. Learn more here.
Trumpet Mafia Live from the New Orleans Jazz Museum Balcony | 5 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged via PayPal or Venmo
The New Orleans Jazz Museum has a different musician or band on their balcony every week, and this week features the electric Trumpet Mafia for an hour-long set.
A Conversation with Iris Martin Cohen | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registration) | Free
Join Garden District Book Shop’s Alison Fensterstock as she talks to author Iris Martin Cohen about Cohen’s book, Last Call on Decatur Street — the story of a woman’s journey to find herself in the seedy, glamorous world of New Orleans burlesque. There will be a special performance by local burlesque legend Trixie Minx during the event.
Level 1 – Absolute Beginner Adult Tap | 7 p.m. | Zoom (link will be sent upon registering) | 1 class for $15; 6 classes for $80; 12 classes for $150
If you’ve never taken a tap dance class, or have had less than six months of classes, this is the class for you. Absolute Beginner Tap is an introductory level tap class designed for adult students looking to enjoy an engaging rhythmic workout in a fun and positive environment! Each week you will receive a 45-minute live virtual dance class, as well as access to weekly supplemental practice videos. Check out the left side of this page for the full listing of adult classes offered by HEIDITAPS.
For the Culture with Denisia | 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged (Cashapp: $whoisdenisia)
House of Blues has been hosting a twice-weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Tuesday they’re presenting an hour-long set featuring Denisia — the New Orleans-based pop and R&B singer who’s earned major attention through her collaboration with Big Choo, and her National Music Award as the best new female R&B and pop artist. Her dance remix of Adele’s “Hello” earned more than two million views on YouTube.
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Trap Bingo | 8:30 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Free (RSVP here)
Who doesn’t love a good game of Bingo? House of Blues is playing their first edition of Virtual Trap Bingo. Play along with your virtual bingo card, to the tunes of DJ FTK. Once you RSVP, you’ll receive rules and instructions via email, along with links to your bingo cards.
Clown Town TV Premier Party: Episode 19 | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips and donations accepted on PayPal and Venmo
Clown Town features a rotating cast of queer NOLA Clowns as well as special guests from afar! It’s a little bit sideshow, a little bit vaudeville and plenty of New Orleans charm! Tune in via the Facebook page for Episode 19 as well as to watch earlier episodes.
Goat Notes Present: Guitar is Dead Live Stream | 10 p.m. | Facebook Live or Twitch | Tips to go to the New Orleans Safety and Freedom Fund
The Goat is presenting a weekly streaming series of intimate events featuring their favorite local bands. This week they’re presenting Death Church — a band inspired by everything horror-based, and self-described as on the occult side of horrorpunk and deathrock. They’ll be playing a late-night, hour-long set.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Art & Zen: Online Meditation Series | Noon | Zoom (link coming soon, check here) | Free, but a $5 donation is encouraged if you are able
Every Wednesday at noon, join the Ogden Museum for a live seated 30-minute mindfulness meditation inspired by a work of Southern art. This online meditation program is led by Ogden Educator and yoga and meditation instructor, Mikhayla Harrell! All experience levels welcome.
Virtual Tasting Classic Daiquiri | 5 p.m. | Online (line sent after registering) | $20 for cocktail kit
Rum, lime, and sugar are a fundamental trio in hundreds of delicious drinks with many historical roots. The classic Daiquiri is often traced to 1890s Cuba, and it was made popular in the United States in the early 20th century thanks to several famous literary fans such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. The Sazerac House is going to teach us how to make the perfect Classic Daiquiri. Purchase your cocktail kit here for curbside pickup. A portion of sales benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.
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August Book Club Meeting | 6 p.m. | Zoom (email here for meeting link) | Free
The Garden District Book Shop has a monthly book club that is now meeting virtually. This month they’ll be discussing the book, A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro. They’ll also be discussing upcoming book selections. New members are always welcome and if you purchase the club’s book selection at the shop, you’ll receive a 20% discount.
Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger Book Release | 7 p.m. | Zoom | Free
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum welcomes Lisa Donovan—James Beard Award-winning writer—for a discussion of her book, Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger. She will be joined in conversation by Lolis Eric Elie, award winning writer, journalist, documentary filmmaker, and cookbook author.
Live FitNOLA Class — Zumba | 7 p.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Wednesday at 7 p.m., the class is focused on Zumba, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings here and here to find out when they’ll be leading classes in pilates, yoga, fitness, line dancing, swing, hip hop and much more! To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
David Spielman and Howard Philips Smith Discuss Their Books | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registration) | Free
Join Garden District Book Club for this special event with David Spielman and Howard Philips Smith as they discuss their books, New Orleans Portrayed and Sojourn in Paradise: Jack Robinson in 1950s New Orleans, respectively.
NOCHI Together | 5 p.m. | Zoom (link sent upon registration) | $5 – $20 donation
Twice a week, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) hosts a cooking class led by a local chef and focusing on a specific cuisine. This Thursday, NOCHI’s executive director Chef Leah Sarris will help viewers prepare a delicious menu. Once you register, you’ll receive an ingredient list and a recipe so you can prepare yourself to cook along with your chefs. Learn more here.
Dr. Kim-Vaz Deville “Walking Raddy” Lecture | 6 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
Dr. Kim Vaz-Deville is a Professor of Education at Xavier University of Louisiana, Author of The Baby Dolls and Walking Raddy. Her book The Baby Dolls: Breaking the Race and Gender Barriers of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Tradition was the basis for the Louisiana State Museum’s installation “They Call Me Baby Doll: A Mardi Gras Tradition” and the Young Leadership Council’s 2016 One Book One New Orleans selection. She’ll be giving an hour-long lecture with Friends of the Cabildo.
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New Orleans Renters Rights Chat | 6 p.m. | Facebook Live or Phone Call | Free
Every Thursday, the New Orleans Renters Rights Assembly is hosting a call to educate New Orleanians about what’s going on with rental and mortgage policies, as well as organizing to create a more equitable world. You can call 504-517-5470 to listen in (Meeting ID: 299411967), or watch the livestream on Facebook (link above). There’ll also be opportunities to ask questions.
Fitness Fusion Class | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom link will be provided once you register | Register here and 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 that combines yoga, pilates, strength training, weight training, cardio, and barre ALL IN ONE CLASS! This class will be live streamed on Zoom. Register on their website to receive a custom link to join. The first class is free & registration is also available on ClassPass. Footprints to Fitness have Zoom classes offered every day of the week, so give their schedule a look.
For the Culture with Airee| 7 p.m. | Facebook Live and Instagram Live | Tips encouraged (Cashapp: $arieeariee)
House of Blues has been hosting a twice-weekly series of New Orleans-based musicians, and this Thursday they’re presenting an hour-long set featuring Airee — a local star blessed with an exceptional voice and a unique artistic spirit. She’s performed as a background singer for Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins and many others, and has played at various festivals and venues including Essence Music Festival, Lincoln Center, and Voodoo Music Festival.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Cardio Blast Live Stream | 10 a.m. | Zoom (link will be sent upon registration) | Free
Join Footprints To Fitness for a free 30 minutes 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!
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 author is Michael Patrick Welch, who has written multiple books including New Orleans: An Underground Guide. Swing by the virtual happy hour for great insight, conversation and the opportunity to have your questions answered!
Marie Laveau Music Video Viewing Party | 7 p.m. | YouTube | Free
Father Ron is hosting a viewing part of the official release of his new music video for Marie Laveau. Join him on YouTube.
Live FitNOLA Class — Zumba | 7 p.m. | Zoom | Free
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission is leading virtual exercise classes every day of the week (often, both, in the evening and during the day). This Friday at 7 p.m., the class is focused on Zumba, but classes throughout the week are all different. Check out a list of the full offerings here and here to find out when they’ll be leading classes in pilates, yoga, fitness, line dancing, swing, hip hop and much more! To join in on Zoom, use the link above and enter the Meeting ID (334-196-3309) and Password (BeFitNOLA).
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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 back later in the week to see who’ll be this Friday’s artist!
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.
