Anyone who’s been to New Orleans knows that the Crescent City is more than just a mark on the map – it’s a state of mind. And while rouler-ing les bon temps at home will never compare to boogying on Bourbon Street, there’s no shortage of pandemic-inspired virtual options that can at least help you try.

“With everyone still spending more time at home than they ever have, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring New Orleans into your own homes with new streaming concerts, virtual cooking classes and cocktail tastings that will transport you to all of the places you’ve missed the most,” says Lauren Cason of the New Orleans & Company (CVB), adding that while the Crescent City’s famed music venues may be closed, “the music never stops… and the show must go on!”

MUSIC

Music is the heart and soul of the Crescent City and in effort to continue to support the city’s musicians and continue to connect with fans and visitors, a number of local venues and musicians are hosting live-streamed concerts and performances:

• Local radio station WWOZ tested the virtual waters with “Festing In Place” in April and May over the originally scheduled dates of Jazz Fest. Now, back by popular demand, “Festing in Place: The Next Fest Thing” returns Sept. 11-13 with performances from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Fest, Satchmo Fest, and other festivals, and including performances by Dr. John, Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers and other New Orleans greats on the WWOZ radio station. Check it out HERE.

• One of New Orleans’ most treasured music venues has launched Tipina’s.TV virtual concert series, featuring performances from some of New Orleans’ best bands. The Saturday night concert series is currently scheduled through Sept. 19, with a second season and future dates already being planned. Upcoming shows include Tank and the Bangas, The Radiators, and more. Each show costs $11.99 and is a great way to support Tipitina’s, which, like most independent music venues, has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus restrictions and faces an uncertain future.

• For more info on other streaming events and performances visit HERE.

Food

• The New Orleans School of Cooking offers Zoom cooking classes in addition to in-person cooking classes. Foodies can learn the basics of BBQ shrimp & grits, gumbo and Bananas Foster from the comfort of home. Get cooking HERE.

• The neworleans.com web site features a great list of favourite recipes and mail order products for meal inspiration in its “Cook Like A New Orleanian” section.

Virtual tastings
• Sazerac House’s free virtual tastings are centred around a new cocktail every week, featuring recipes, stories and expert bartender knowledge, along with general information about whiskey, rum, bourbon and other spirits. Visit the SH web site for details and upcoming events.

• Cocktail queen Elizabeth Pearce is perfect for a virtual Zoom party for a group of 10 or 20 participants. Cocktail demo options include the French 75, Ramos Gin Fizz, Martini and Sazerac, and more. Tune in for the demonstration and stay for the stories that bring the famed cocktails to life. Visit Pearce’s “Drinkandlearn” website.

• For more virtual cocktail experiences, check out “Tales of the Cocktail,” a New Orleans festival gone virtual, Sept. 21-24.

Details on these and other New Orleans virtual experiences, can be found HERE.