Concerts In The Cloud

Artists are some of the most innovative minds in our community, so when faced with challenges they are typically the first to find solutions. The current COVID-19 situation and social distancing measures mean many artists are no longer able to showcase their works in a traditional way. However, the Sydney arts and creative communities have shown that with technology they can overcome any obstacle.

All of the artist listed below are now using technology, and streaming in particular, to stay connected with the fans during these uncertain and isolating times.

• ACO Homecasts – The Australian Chamber Orchestra’s extensive new digital program will bring the music and musicians of the ACO into your home directly. ACO Homecasts have been curated by ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, with an emphasis on content that reflects the artistry, dynamism and sense of adventure for which the ACO is internationally renowned.

Info: www.aco.com.au/ACOHomeCasts

• Room 2 Radio – Dubbed as Sydney’s first online nightclub, Room 2 Radio is bringing together a selection of Sydney’s top DJ’s to keep the party alive in your own home. Running every Friday from 8pm until the early hours of the morning these streams really are a nightclub in your living room, with lights, drink recommendations and a busy chat group.

Info: www.facebook.com/Room2Radio

• Cougar Morrison – The queen of loveable dorkiness! Not just pretty, she’s also a singer, an Uncle, and adores reading stories to EVERYONE! These stories are often books that she grew up reading herself many, many, MANY years ago when the dinosaurs roamed, and include Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton and Dr. Seuss. Morrison is bringing Dragqueen Storytime to Instagram Live every Sunday at 4pm, giggles provided but BYO snacks!

Info: www.instagram.com/cougarmorrison

• Sydney Vintage Dance Studio – Have transformed their once buzzing vintage themed dance studio into a very quite online studio where students can participate in a class via their living rooms. Offering 4, 6 and 8 week courses and one off workshops in 60s go-go, 20s Charleston, 80s daggy jazz, chair dance, burlesque, bump-n-grind, twerk and flexibility classes. The studio is also offering 2 free classes a week or via a ‘pay what you can’ method.

Info: www.sydneyvintagedancestudio.com

• (Virus) Free Theatre Festival Online – Australian Theatre Live is bringing their locally filmed theatre productions to a small screen near you. This weekend’s show will be Mary Rachel Brown’s show, The Dapto Chaser.

Info: www.facebook.com/AusTheatreLive

• Pinot & Picasso + Cork & Chroma – Painting classes paired with wine were really exploding onto the creative scene prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now though Sydneysiders can come together with friends online and still enjoy a couple of glasses of wine while painting their own personal masterpiece. Pinot & Picasso are even running FREE session over on their Facebook page!

Info: www.pinotandpicasso.com.au & www.corkandchroma.com.au

• Book Shops – Better Read Than Dead, Bookoccino, and Potts Point Bookshop are all offering free delivery to help people survive the monotony of self-isolation. Search for a good book, have delivered right to your door and spend some quality time exploring the literary world.

• Outside The Box – Why not use this time in self-isolation to expand your mind. Australia’s leading intellectual events and touring company, Think Inc., is here to help you do just that with a series of streamed talks. These will be more than just a simple webinar though as participants will be able to interact directly with the host and fellow viewers in real-time to have a deep, rational discussion around the various topics.

Info: www.thinkinc.org.au

• From Our House To Yours – The Sydney Opera House are bringing their stages to your house, weekly at 6pm. Tune in weekly from Wednesday to Sunday at 6pm for archival footage, live broadcasts and premieres of music, theatre and panel discussions.

Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/digital

• Red Line Productions – By special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Australian Theatre Company Red Line Productions will present a live-streamed reading of Lyle Kessler’s visceral masterpiece Orphans, featuring Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Alec Baldwin, Aaron Glenane (68 Whiskey) and Red Line Productions Co-Founder Andrew Henry with stage directions and descriptions read by lifetime member of the Actors Studio Judy Jerome.

Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au

• Betty Grumble – Every morning at 10am performance artist Betty Grumble is taking to social media with a live dance to help lift our collective spirits.

Info: www.facebook.com/BettyGrumble

• Laura ‘Sippy’ Patterson – Sippy has remained connected to her global audience by introducing a new weekly Instagram live show, Sunday sips with Sips. Each week Sippy asks her fans to join her with their beverage of choice, be that alcoholic or not, and simply sit down with her to have a chat and reconnect as “mates.”

Info: www.instagram.com/sippyau

• Red Light Confidential: Isolation Series – Known for their old speak easy “after hours” vibe where artists often hang-out, perform or watch, network and hang out with their peers is now moving online. The Isolation Series will showcase up and coming artists from the music, burlesque, cabaret  and comedy genres alongside seasoned professionals every week.

Info: www.redlightconfidential.com

• Nat ‘Dekkadence’ Dekker – Rather then let isolation get her down Nat Dekker, better known as Dekkadence, is using this time to further her DJ and dance skills. Not only Dekker has committed herself to learning how to produce music and improving her dance skills, but she is also staying connected to her fans via social media. Over the next 30 days Dekker will be doing a 30 day music challenge where everyday she will post a song, a dance or something fun to show off her personality.

Info: www.instagram.com/dekkadence_

• TAP Gallery – Just because we can’t gather in groups doesn’t mean we have to miss out on viewing some incredible art. The TAP Gallery in Surry Hills are keeping their doors open, however visitation is strictly by appointment only. Just think, when will you ever get a chance to view a full gallery exhibition in perfect silence by yourself ever again!

Info: www.tapgallery.org.au

• MICF: Comedy Care Package – While the major comedy festivals have already been cancelled for 2020 we can still have a good giggle this weekend thanks to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Comedy Care Package. Hosted by comedy legend Denise Scott, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Comedy Care Package will bring some of Australia’s best comedians directly into your living room.

Apr 12, 8:20pm on ABC.