Last night, my husband and I went to a small, outdoor concert at a historic museum near where we live. Circles were drawn on the expansive lawn for parties to sit in. If you left your circle, you were to wear a mask. People settled into lawn chairs, I stretched out on my beach roll, we all unpacked picnics (we had a cold couscous salad and strawberry shortcake with my bourbon spiked whipped cream for dessert!), kicked off shoes and were treated to a beautiful evening of opera. If you wanted an alcohol drink, the museum had paired with a local wine shop for “circle-side” delivery. It was magic.
For the duration of the concert, surrounded by nature, lulled into a state of relaxation by the singers’ voices floating from the porch of a beautiful, old house, looking up at the clear, beautiful sky, you could forget about the swirling storms off the lawn. It was an important reminder of how vital a role the arts play in times of strife.
A few months ago, I wrote about virtual museum visits and the important role the arts have in helping us navigate difficult times. Today, as the world starts to open up, I thought I’d write about socially distanced ways to support the musical arts. As I write this, listening to my most comforting jams, I can’t imagine not having music right now.
The Roots Picnic 2020 was live-streamed recently and I’m currently listening to it as I write this, since it’s luckily up on YouTube. Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks and my new fave, H.E.R. will all be making appearances. How fun would it have been to put a sheet up in a backyard and stream this live for your quaranteam?
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Full-disclosure, my cousin is the music director here. Usually, he is also the Music Director for the Mostly Mozart festival at Lincoln Center in NYC in the summer, but in this temporary normal, the festival is not taking place this year. Luckily for us, the CSO has been live streaming beautiful music that you can kick back to in your own home. Updates on their website.
The Drive-In. The return of the drive-in! We have a few where I live, but we haven’t been keen on the movies showing so haven’t gone. I recently found out that there is now a drive-in movie theatre in Brooklyn, for all you New Yorkers with access to a car. Looks like they will be showing Get Out soon…looooove that movie. Not a concert, but can you beat a good movie score?!
New York City Wine and Food Festival at Home. Obviously not a concert, but had to sneak this in here (and you can put on your own music on in the background!) This can’t miss festival takes place in NYC in October, but you can now take the fun and deliciousness of the festival home with their at home, interactive cooking and mixology classes with the likes of Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray and even Patti LaBelle. Proceeds from the classes benefit the NYCWFF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.
Here’s to making the most of this week.
-Michaela
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