In a time of crisis, artists performing in quarantine are bringing people together and giving us a sense of joy and optimism. Monday, we blogged about how hard the COVID-19 crisis is hitting the arts. Yet artists of all kinds are using the Internet in innovative ways to bring joy to the world and bring people together.
Artists Stream From Their Homes
At least since late March, artists performing in quarantine have been live-streaming and posting performances from their homes, including multi-artist ensembles of theater, music and even dance. Many do so with uncertain incomes and futures. Yet they play on – for us. For all of us. Some have even turned their quarantine performances into fundraisers.
These artists deserve real and virtual applause and thanks from their audiences. Take a break from your day – especially if you’re feeling blue, lonely or stir crazy – and take in some of these free, streaming performances. And if you have the means, support the artists and organizations who bless us with their superb skill and artistry by making a donation (if they provide a link).
Check Out “in Quarantine” Performances
Here are just a handful of examples. Use the comment box, below, to share others quarantine performances that you’ve seen.
- The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra’s Ode to Joy performed by musicians all in their homes. You can even download the sheet music and play along!
- DJ D-Nice’s Instagram Quarantine Dance Party. D-Nice has drawn many superstar guests, including First Lady Michelle Obama. One performance even led to a register to vote online dance party and fundraiser along with Ms. Obama.
- Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s LACO at Home featuring classical performances followed by a real-time Q&A.
- Actor Sir Patrick Stewart daily reads a Shakespeare sonnet.
- Neil Finn of Crowded House performs songs daily at 3 p.m. PST from quarantine.
- Salastina’s Tuesday Happy Hour features ensemble musicians live-streaming from their homes.
- Community Apart Together, a two-day music festival performed by Santa Barbara musicians live-streaming from their home.
- Lisa Loeb performs live each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. EST on Facebook live.
- Oboist Claire Brazeau streams duets with herself and others on her Instagram feed.
- Los Angeles Contemporary dancer Tess Hewlett performing an original choreography on Living Music (starting at 15:01).
- The Hamilton cast singing live on John Krasinski’s Some Good News web show (skip to 8:28).
Of course, there are websites that are starting to curate lists of live streaming performances. One of our favorites is The Live Music Project.
Share your favorite quarantine streaming performance or lists with blog readers by adding a comment. Help spread the word!