Editor’s note: Welcome to the Pandemic Edition of our Weekend Preview, where you can find links to local online entertainment. Area performers and presenters, send your info here, with “Weekend Preview” in the subject line; we’ll do our best to stay on top of this.
Compiled by Nicholas Voltaggio
To all who celebrate the seasons, Happy Passover, Happy Easter!
Here are links to some online arts and entertainment to make staying at home more pleasant.
Scroll down for details. Visit our handy calendar to reschedule your events that have been postponed, too!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020, PASSOVER:
Looking for online services for Passover and Holy Week? See our local roundup here.
Relaxation and meditation seem welcome now more than ever. Justyn Comer, a meditation expert and author, streams the second installment of his Introduction to Meditation series on YouTube, from 7:30 to 9 pm. Comer, who usually offers his sessions at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, is planning a 12-part weekly series. Installments are free and open to people of all levels of experience. One does not need to partake in every session to experience meditation’s benefits, Comer notes. Look for this week’s episode here.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9:
Virtual Art Shows and Tours
Available now for access.
Morris Arts has published its new exhibit, Vanishing Worlds. The works, in varying styles, explore the central theme of change and human response to it. Viewers can explore each piece of art and artist in depth, while learning about the context and inspiration surrounding each work.
Opera at Florham has posted videos of its past events, featuring young opera singers in 10 performances.
The Morris County Tourism Bureau has posted a virtual walking tour, in the form of an app available on the iTunes and Google Play stores. The tour includes some of the most prominent historical features of Morristown, including the home of Thomas Nast, history of architecture in Morristown, the many historical churches in the center of town.
Hoping to see an original film while movie theaters are closed? The Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium is working in conjunction with Black Maria Films to deliver short films free of charge, for the duration of the pandemic. Accessible anytime at www.blackmaria.org, one will find a curated program of short films, in addition to healthy recipes to emulate the feeling of “dinner and a show.”
The Mayo Performing Arts Center has a virtual arts page with links to many great online- and broadcast concerts, theatrical productions, talks, tours and more.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10:
Starting at 9:30 am, yoga instructor Munah Hayes is taking her weekly sessions from the Morristown and Morris Township Library to the digital world. Hayes, a certified yoga instructor, is the creator of Munahology, a multi-faceted approach to well-being that incorporates nutrition, fitness, and emotional development. Using the free GoToMeeting app, participants can join Hayes in experiencing the art of Hatha Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing and meditation as a means of furthering mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. A pattern of practice, Hayes says, can help produce relief of stress and increased awareness of one’s body, resulting in calmness and sharper concentration. More information and links to access the sessions, which last one hour each Friday morning, are available on the Library’s website.
At 12:30 pm, the Mayo Performing Arts Center heads to Facebook Live for what it hopes will become a social-distancing staple: A livestreamed concert. This week, MPAC features Acute Inflections, a jazz duo showcasing singer Elasea Douglas and bassist Sadiki Pierre. A replay of their performance also will be available via MPAC’s Facebook page. See MPAC’s virtual arts page for more.
The Folk Project isn’t letting isolation keep it down! For this week’s Acoustic Stayaway virtual performance, the nonproft welcomes Louise Mosrie at 7 pm. Mosrie brings an authentic approach to the country, folk, and bluegrass genres, The Folk Project says, calling her a “new and vibrant voice” in Americana music. The concert can be found here.
Leave all your expectations for a classical music concert at the door. (Don’t forget to wipe the doorknob with alcohol!) At 8 pm, cellist Randy Calistri-Yeh takes the (virtual) stage, performing a solo set of cello music, much of it self-arranged. While Calistri-Yeh will put his single-instrument twist on the timeless works of the likes of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Bach, he also will also incorporate more modern pieces of music across a variety of genres, ranging from classic rock to Broadway hits. Calistri-Yeh plans on including behind-the-scenes details and little-known facts, as well. Find out how he manages to play duets with himself when the performance airs via YouTube livestream.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11:
Singer Brynn Stanley is bringing her silky vocals and sparkling personality from her living room to yours with weekly 7 pm shows on her Facebook page. Look for weekly themes and special (remote) guests.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, EASTER SUNDAY:
For virtual church services, see our local roundup here.
