[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]e will get through this together. I love to socialize and go out. That’s why I run our monthly column, GTFO. But right now it’s really important that we all remember: In order to keep everyone safe, please don’t go out.
This doesn’t necessarily mean don’t socialize. It just means we have to socialize differently. There is still plenty of art and culture to celebrate while staying in. So let’s all sit back down and continue chilling in the name of protecting each other.
Here are some suggestions to keep you from losing your mind. We will update this list on a weekly basis, so check back next week for new things to enjoy.
Netflix Party
This one almost goes without saying, but if you live with housemates, roommates, or your family, now is a great time to suggest a household Netflix watch party. Even if you aren’t the best of friends or if you are whatever about the show or movie; the point is human interaction here. In the age of COVID-19, screen interaction is as good as real-life interaction. Hate-watch some junk TV (I thoroughly enjoyed hate-watching “Love is Blind) or watch your favorite movies, just watch something to keep your brain occupied. I personally do not recommend watching “Contagion” because art is imitating tf out of life right now. If you can’t be around anyone at the moment for whatever reason, use the Netflix Party Chrome extension to watch a video in sync with someone else remotely.
Take-out
Take-out has not been canceled yet and in the age of Coronavirus, the thrills of cautiously going out—while avoiding everyone—can really help you get by. Most spots are offering online order and contact-less pickup. Support your local food shops as they’re all really struggling right now. I found that walking to my favorite spots a mile away has lifted my spirits. In my case, I’ve been busting a mission to Rincón Chileno for some bomb Chilean food and empanadas, which has acted as an unofficial Chilean consulate. They’ve been around since the 70s. It’s important to keep them around. I love the empanadas de pollo, it’s reminiscent of flavors I grew up with. Pay ahead and maintain your distance and keep its elderly staff safe.
Hiking
Y’all couldn’t handle hiking and social distancing so now it’s banned... thanks!
Kid Frost's 'Corona Concerts' Live on Instagram, courtesy of Pablito's Tacos
Maybe all of the music festivals and concerts you wanted to go to were canceled but you can still “go” to Pablito’s Corona Concerts. These innovative af taqueros are gonna livestream concerts featuring up and coming artists. The first concert will feature legendary Chicano rapper Kid Frost and some other new artists. Viewers can order merchandise of the featured artists with their food. You can get tacos and merch delivered, ordered as take out, or have it dropped off by Pablito's with their curbside service, so support artists and tacos and try it out. Order via their website.
Virtual Open Mic with @CamariCreative
If you have some poems, song, and art you’re itching to share head over to @CamariCreative’s open mic happening Sunday, March 22nd at 8 PM. The Coronavirus is not gonna stop artists from creating. The rules are: Keep your performance to two to three minutes, request to share, and @CamariCreative will fit as many as possible within 2 hours. The best performance of the night gets a prize.
Paramount LA Playlists
MISS.CELLĀNEA Radio
Wanna stay informed and hear from local experts and people on the ground doing work to address the current situation we’re in? The Miss.cellānea show on 101.5 FM KQBH is informative and fun. The host, Amanda, is interactive on IG and has been asking for community input on her most recent show. Follow her show here for her schedule, but honestly, that whole station is dope.
Tamarindo Podcast
Miss talking to your homegirls? Well, you can still do that via Facetime but you can also listen to the Tamarindo Podcast, which is a fun and lighthearted podcast that talks about pop culture and politics. Hosted by Ana Sheila and Brenda Gonzalez, this dose of joy can keep you informed without the doom and gloom. Listen here.
We the Unhoused Podcast
Those of us with a place to call home right now are very fortunate. If you care about our houseless community and want to keep up to date with issues that affect them, listen to this podcast. The host Theo Henderson himself is unhoused and tackles issues like police brutality, harassment, policy, and the survival challenges that unhoused people face on a daily basis. What makes this podcast special is that it’s produced by unhoused people to uplift their voices.
Cumbia Fever Live Stream ~ March 19th, 9 PM to 12 AM
Dreaming of Thursday nights at La Cita or just any night dancing anywhere? Same. It’s cool though. Cumbia Fever DJs are live-streaming their sets on Instagram, so you can grab your quarantined bae and dance the night away in your living room. BYOB.
Alivio Open Mic ~ March 20th at 7 PM
The beloved open mic has moved into the digital space. The theme of the night is appropriately named “Surviving These Times.” You can “go” to the open mic via Instagram live at 7 PM at @alivioopenmic. Read the rules and request to go live with them to share your truth, art, or music. Make sure you support folks sharing too.
Art Share Virtual Gallery
Art Galleries might be closed IRL, but that doesn’t mean they can’t thrive on IG. Everyday @artshare_la will put out a “call for artists” at 10 AM PST with a theme. Artists can create a piece inspired by the theme and then tag @artshare_la in an IG post or story of their art. Art Share will be curating a digital gallery with the art and will be sharing pieces on IG.
Note: I will update this list as much as I can. We will get through this together. Here’s a list of resources for folks in need due to the virus that shall not be named.
