Eight Virtual Experiences to Keep You Entertained During Quarantine
Experimental Sound Studio’s The Quarantine Concerts broadcasts live music straight to viewers’ homes. Photo from Experimental Sound Studio’s website
While the ongoing statewide stay-at-home order might make socializing in large groups feel more and more like a pipe dream, livestreams have emerged as a quarantine essential. From virtually wandering museums to watching a concert from the comfort of your bed to attending a club night in your pajamas, here are eight virtual experiences to help you pass the time.
Museum of Contemporary Art’s Virtual Studio Visit
With MCA closed to the public, the museum has brought its unique programming online, including film screenings, meditation sessions and drag queen story hours. On April 14, art lovers are invited to virtually visit the New York studio of multimedia artist Autumn Knight, moderated by one of MCA’s own curators.
Originally set to open to the public on March 20, Slaysian — an art exhibit curated by Jenny Lam exclusively featuring Asian American artists — has been indefinitely postponed. However, you can still view and support the works through Slaysian’s digital exhibition featuring 39 artists from both Chicago and the greater Midwest region.
While Chicago’s zoos are closed for the foreseeable future, now may be the perfect time to take a digital trip to the Cincinnati Zoo, the facility best known for housing celebrity hippo Fiona. The Cincinnati Zoo is currently hosting “Home Safaris” on Facebook Live every day at 3 p.m. ET, where you can join the staff in getting to know the animals housed at the zoo.
Although this Chicago drag hallmark normally takes over Berlin Nightclub every Saturday night, the performers of Drag Matinee have moved their show to Instagram Live for the time being. Hosted by Chicago queen T Rex, Drag Mati-Net features a regular cast of local drag performers and rotating guests from around the country. Drag Mati-Net’s April 11 show features a guest performance from RuPaul’s Drag Race star Detox.
For any oenophiles with a bit of cabin fever, Love Cork Screw is hosting a virtual tasting hosted by its CEO Chrishon Lampley. For $75, Love Cork Screw will deliver three bottles of wine and an invite to its April 22 livestream, which gives you access to a guided tasting and the chance to socialize with other wine lovers.
A collaborative effort between Elastic Arts, Experimental Sound Systems and live music venue The Hideout, The Quarantine Concerts showcases a slate of Chicago artists each night with dedicated 30 minute slots on its Twitch livestream. Each night promises access to a diverse lineup of performers with a suggested $5 donation.
Club Quarantine has become the planet’s hottest destination for pop music fans. Not only does this Zoom-based queer dance party — which streams starting at 8 p.m. CT every day but Saturday, when it starts at 5 p.m. CT — source the best DJs and drag talent the internet has to offer (including Chicago-based drag queen Lucy Stoole), it has featured headlining sets from pop stars Charli XCX, Kim Petras and Tinashe.
The launch of Art on theMart, a rotating series of projections that broadcasts the work of contemporary artists onto the face of Merchandise Mart, has been postponed. However, to help tide audiences over, Art on theMart will broadcast previous years’ programs through Facebook Live starting on April 15, with additional programs being streamed every other Wednesday.