Virtual Concerts and Broadway Shows to Watch During the Coronavirus Shutdown
The arts have taken a major hit as the coronavirus pandemic has shut down theaters and concert venues, including New York’s fabled Broadway.
But as the old adage goes, the show must go on. Artists and performers are going online to entertain audiences — many for free.
Here’s a list of performances that will keep you entertained during self-isolation for the week of March 30.
*#Homefest*
On Monday, James Corden hosts #Homefest at 10:00 p.m. ET. The show features performances from Billie Eilish with Finneas, Andrea Bocelli, BTS, David Blaine, Dua Lipa, John Legend and Will Ferrell. The virtual event will air on Facebook and Instagram will raise money for charity. It will also be available to watch on CBS.
*92nd Street Y*
The 92Y has made its archive of performances — from concerts to talks — free for the public. On Wednesday, congo sensation Pedrito Martinez and his large group as they deliver an electrifying, danceable set of percussion- and horn-driven Afro-Cuban jazz. And looking ahead, on April 6, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Rabbi Peter Rubinstein will discuss the importance of community even when we can’t be together physically. Watch here.
*ACM Presents: Our Country *
On Sunday, April 5, country music’s biggest names will perform for ACM Presents: Our Country. The new two-hour special featuring intimate conversations and at-home acoustic performances with country music’s biggest stars including Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown and John Legend, Luke Bryan, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. A special tribute will honor the late Kenny Rogers. Watch on CBS and CBS All Access.
*Living Room Concerts*
Broadway World has partnered with some incredible singers to launch a series of daily Living Room Concerts — performances direct to you from the living rooms of Broadway performers! The concerts have already included Carolee Carmello from “Hello, Dolly!” and Andrew Barth Feldman from “Dear Evan Hansen.” Watch here.
*Metropolitan Opera*
The Met will stream a title from its Live in HD series each night beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET through the duration of the closure. This week includes Rossini’s popular Barber of Seville and Verdi’s Macbeth. Watch here.
*Marquee TV*
Dubbed the “Netflix of the Arts,” Marquee TV is a newly-launched streaming service that provides access to the world’s best performances in opera, dance, theatre and more. Marquee is offering a free 30-day trial, with monthly subscriptions priced at $8.99. Watch here.
*Together At Home*
Together At Home is our virtual concert series in partnership with WHO to help us all practice social distancing and promote global health. The series has raised over $40 million for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to help the World Health Organization save lives. Artists across many genres, including Camilla Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Vance Joy and Coldplay have already performed via their Instagram accounts. Billboard is keeping track of each day’s performances here.
*Also Read:* Broadway's Coronavirus Shutdown Could Cost $565 Million in Lost Revenue
Here are artists whose social media pages are worth checking out as well:
*Katharine McPhee and David Foster*
“American Idol” alum turned Broadway star McPhee and her superstar songwriter husband are committed to performing at 5:30pm PT every day. And they’re taking requests! Watch on Instagram.
*Lizzo*
The singer/flutist has been posting motivational performances. Watch on Instagram.
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