While exams are coming to an end and we are all practicing physical distancing from our homes, some of us may be thinking of all those plans we had made for this extra time. With concerts cancelled and Broadway plays all shut down, you may think that you can’t experience the arts while at home. But that’s not the case!
If you have always wanted to go to see your favourite artist or go see a musical on Broadway, chances are they are being streamed online for free right now! The team at the #YUBlog has compiled a list of some top-notch musical performances streaming online right now for your entertainment during COVID-19.
1. The Metropolitan Opera
One of the biggest classical music organizations in the world, the Metropolitan Opera (the Met), has started streaming some of their selected performances online.
Until the Met reopens, they will be offering free streaming from its live performance archives. The performances will start at 7:30 p.m. ET on their website and will remain active for 20 hours for you to stream if you can’t catch it live. This isn’t new, they have actually been live streaming for years now, so you don’t have to worry about hiccups with the livestream or the quality not being the same as a live show. Just sit back and enjoy some of the most sophisticated and fascinating musicals!
2. Broadway Plays
Have you ever wanted to visit the bright lights of Broadway in New York? While we can’t give you the hustle and bustle of Times Square, we can do one better and get you inside the theatre for a show!
There are so many Broadway plays you can watch from the comfort of your own couch. This link provides a list of famous plays and where you can watch them! Can’t think of a good idea for a virtual date night? Go to the theatre (for free)!
3. “Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble” – April 26
Major Canadian broadcasters are bringing together household Canadian names like Celine Dion, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Hailey Wickenheiser and many more for a special one-hour TV extravaganza.
Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble will go live on Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. ET. Viewers who are able will also be invited to support Food Bank Canada in association with the broadcast in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The show will stream on CTV.ca, Crave, iHeartRadio.ca, and the CTV, iHeartRadio Canada
4. New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund Concert – April 22
Another virtual concert that supports a great cause is the JERSEY 4 JERSEY concert hosted by the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund on April 22 at 7 p.m. ET on Apple Music and Apple TV.
The lineup for the show includes some of the most popular global, cross-generational artists such as Bon Jovi, Halsey, Charlie Puth and many more. Feel free to Facetime your friends and watch the concert together for some extra fun. The best part is that you will not have to stand in line, have trouble moving among the crowd, and still get to enjoy your favourite artists’ performances! Initiatives like this are popping up every day as the music industry gets used to the business in a time of no mass gatherings, so keep an eye on your favourite artist’s social media. You never know, they may announce a free show tomorrow!
5. Room Service Digital Music Festival – April 24-26
The famous Room Service digital music festival is still here to stay this 2020, but virtually! Even better, it will still go on for two full days like any other year!
There will be performances from various popular alternative, digital artists such as Yungblud, Trevor Daniel, and Jeremy Zucker. All proceeds from the event will go directly to COVID-19 relief efforts, including Sweet Relief and Feeding America. Head over to Room Service website for more details!
6. Latin Music Virtual Concert for Farmworkers Fund – May 5
On May 5, some popular Latin music stars such as Luis Fonsi, J Balvin, Gloria, Emilio Estefan, and Ana Brenda Contreras will team up for Eva Longoria’s virtual concert celebration. There will be options to make donations in support of COVID-19 Farmworkers Fund, but the show will be streamed for free. The concert will stream live on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, iHeartLatino’s websites, among other social media platforms at 5 p.m. ET.
We hope this post has inspired you to go online and start watching some concerts and musicals when you’re at home. They will definitely help make you feel more connected with everyone in the world during these times. Concerts and musical performances are best enjoyed in a large group, so join the rest of the world and enjoy some of these amazing events. Please stay safe and stay updated, Lions!
