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:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
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!
5th Anniversary Celebration at SideBar NOLA | All Weekend | Website | Tips accepted here
SideBar NOLA is celebrating their 5th anniversary with a weekend full of live local music streaming for you ALL WEEKEND LONG! That includes the inimitable Walter “Wolfman” Washington playing a solo set at 3 p.m. For a full listing of their performances, check out this page.
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Alternatives to Incarceration: Ending the Criminalization of Serious Mental Illness | 1 p.m. | Zoom (link sent after registering) | Free
The over-representation of people living with serious mental illnesses within the criminal justice system is a problem that has become impossible to ignore. However, what is harder to grasp is what to do about it. No two people understand the complexity of these issues better than the two guests — Judge Steven Leifman and John Snook — joining this conversation led by co-hosts Janet Hays and Eric Smith. There’ll be time for you to ask your questions, and you can read about the guests here.
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).
Fridays from the Funky Uncle! | 7:30 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!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Fitness Fusion Class | 9:15 a.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! 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.
David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust | 3:30 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged via PayPal and Venmo
Are you a David Bowie fan? How can you not be?! Well, New Orleans’ School of Rock is paying tribute to the man this weekend from the Art Garage on St. Claude Avenue. They’ll be performing the entirety of Bowie’s iconic album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders of Mars.
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Porch Fest: The 1950s | 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 1940s, and this week’s hour-long set is all about their favorite tunes from the 1950s!
Keiko and Donald Livestreaming Concert | 8 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Tune in Saturday night for this talented violin and piano duo. They’ll play jazz, funk, R&B, pop, blues and even take requests!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
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!
New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs | 2 p.m. | Fox Sports New Orleans | $4.99 per month
Basketball is back from a “bubble” in Orlando after a four-month hiatus! It’s a final push to see if the Pelicans can make the playoffs in Zion’s inaugural season. Let’s Geaux Pels!
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Sunday Swing Livestream from Allways! | 9 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged for the band and the bar.
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret’s popular Sunday Swing is back — but this time they’re in livestream form! The evening will be hosted by the Jazz Band Ballers. Join in for some stellar music, and maybe even dust off those dancing shoes!
The Rolling Stones & Their Influencers | 6 p.m. | Facebook Live | Tips encouraged
Savoie Musical Instruments on Napoleon Avenue is guitarist and singer James Cole as he performs the music of the Rolling Stones, as well as earlier musicians — like Muddy Waters, Solomon Burke and Don Colvey — that influenced them. Cole is an extraordinary performer and you won’t want to miss this hour-long show.
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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.
