April Concerts Gone Virtual

Times are tough right now. Coronavirus is scary, and mandatory social distancing requires all social events, including concerts, to be cancelled. Although I miss the experience of listening to live music with fellow fans, I am thankful that everyone I know is staying safe and practicing good social distancing - as we all should be! I have been so impressed by the creativity of musicians and fans in continuing the love for live music while also maintaining distance.

In an odd twist on my usual monthly concert article, we are going virtual! Keep reading for a list of virtual concerts you can expect, musicians to watch, and ways you can contribute to the spirit of music. Stay safe out there!

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are set to perform a live concert from their home on April 1. To sweeten the deal, the couple, along with CBS, will donate $1 million to charities focused on fighting the Coronavirus crisis. The show will start at 9 pm Eastern on CBS.  

Charlie Puth has been performing daily on Instagram with the hashtag #TogetherAtHome. Check out his daily videos featuring his own songs and fun covers. 

John Legend has also been using the #TogetherAtHome hashtag to perform live on Instagram and Twitch, promising more musical performances in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! Legend is planning to release an album this summer, so perhaps we’ll hear some new music. 

It isn’t exactly a Top 40 hit, but this YouTube video, recommended by the Rice University Recreation and Wellness Center, features Tibetan Meditation Music you can relax to and find your focus with. 

The Houston Grand Opera has had to suspend all performances as of late, but singers are posting short videos on Facebook to keep us all in the loop.  

Our very own Houston Symphony is allowing fans to listen to live performances on its website and social media platforms.  

The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra has audio on its website fans can listen to and plans to post live streams at some point.  

The Houston Chamber Choir has launched a daily podcast, “With One Accord,” where Artistic Director Robert Simpson and the Houston Chamber Choir will present favorite moments from past performances selected specifically to help people deal with this stressful time. 

John Mayer has been posting his usual music-focused pictures and videos on Instagram, but little did you know, he also has his own Instagram TV show. Episodes feature famous celebrity appearances, original (often silly) songs from Mayer, and hilarious hot takes. Check out his parody on the viral celebrity “Imagine” video. 

Similarly, Miley Cyrus has begun airing episodes of her own show on Instagram featuring top celebrities and thought-provoking topics. Expect good conversation, some music, and at the least, mild entertainment. Bright Minded: Live with Miley is on at 11:30 a.m. PT on Instagram. 

Pianist and musical director Ammon Taylor is offering live piano music every Tuesday at 9 p.m. (Photo: Steve Rogers Photography)

Pianist and musical director Ammon Taylor has pledged live piano music every Tuesday at 9 p.m. for the foreseeable future. He even takes requests! His genius creation is called the Social Distance Piano Lounge.  

Wade Bowen is a Waco-based country artist who has been cheering up fans with weekly “Quaranstreams,” available for viewing every Friday at 8 p.m. He streams from his garage, often featuring musical guests.  

On April 10, the Austin Blues Revue will feature Alan Haynes, Houstonian and blues guitarist, on its Facebook page for a livestream discussion of blues history. The talk will be from 7:30-9 p.m.  

Every year on April 16, Selena fans celebrate her birthday and pay tribute to a Texas Latina legend. An Austin-based Selena tribute band, known as Bidi Bidi Banda, is planning a #BidiBidiBirthday starting at 7 p.m. on Facebook and Instagram live in tribute. 

The Met Opera is releasing free live performances, available on their website for only 23 hours after being posted. You can also download their app for opera on the go!  

Every night at 8:30 p.m., Katharine Foster and David Foster are putting on live performances together on Instagram. Two great singer/songwriters together? Yes, please!

Editor’s Note: Check out our Buzz Quarantine Tunes Playlist for some fun songs and good vibes.