If not being able to attend concerts leaves you feeling even more disconnected while social distancing, get ready to fill your calendars with virtual performances that come pretty close to a concert experience. Philly bands and musicians are using tools like Facebook Live and Instagram TV to both play live and share recordings from their home studios and practice spaces. This gives audiences the opportunity to see artists work out of their home environments and build that connection. Just like virtual happy hours and game nights, go ahead and plan to “attend” these performances to make it feel like you get to go out while staying in.
Philadelphia Orchestra
See musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra perform some of their favorite pieces from their practice spaces at home. Musicians including concertmaster David Kim perform for a virtual audience of Instagram followers via Instagram TV. Watch Kim play a beautiful duet with his daughter, J.S. Bach/Gounod’s “Ave Maria” as well as cellist Gloria dePasquale’s selection from Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1,” and more. Of course, it wouldn’t be performances at home without guest appearances from pets (and there are a lot of them.) Follow the Philadelphia Orchestra as their musicians continue to post their performances while practicing social distancing.
Ongoing, watch via Instagram TV @philorch.
Justin Gonzalez
Look forward to live music from singer Justin Gonzalez almost every night. Gonzalez does a little bit of everything, from opera to big band. Hear classical pieces, casino lounge favorites and Broadway hits while Gonzalez provides a beautiful soundtrack to your evening.
Ongoing, tune in Mondays-Saturdays between 6 and 7 p.m. via Instagram Live @justingonzaleztenor.
Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society
Celebrate the roaring 2020s with jazz classics that are given new life. Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society play the “South Philly” style of jazz, focusing on all the great music from the 1920s and 1930s. In addition to the ongoing weekend performances they plan to do, tune in at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 27 for a special concert that pairs perfectly with a classy cocktail hour at home. “OnlineConcertThing Presents- Wait for the Happy Ending” requires a $5 minimum donation to get access to the livestream. Otherwise, join in for free anytime you need to mix up your weekend evening soundtrack.
Ongoing, Tune in Thursdays-Saturdays during late evenings via Facebook Live.
Zenora
If rock and roll is more your speed, go behind the scenes with a local band that gives a modern edge to classic rock. The musicians in Zenora are coping with social isolation by streaming acoustic sets, hosting Q&A sessions and more on Instagram Live. Guitarist and lead vocalist Dylan Graff takes the lead with acoustic performances, including showing what it’s like to play guitar left-handed, and you’ll see appearances from other band members throughout the week.
Ongoing, tune in via Instagram Live @zenora_band_official.
Bad Shapes
Local band Bad Shapes originally planned to debut their new album at The Barbary this Friday. After canceling the show due to the spread of the virus in the region and mandatory shutdowns, the band is getting creative. They are still celebrating the release of their self-titled album with a set broadcasted via Facebook Live. Bad Shapes is an energetic post-rock band that incorporates plenty of synths, vocal effects and upbeat melodies. Stream via Facebook Live on a computer or smart TV to experience a concert at home.
Friday, March 27, 7 p.m., tune in via Facebook Live.
