Here are a few ways to keep yourself entertained, and maybe even educate yourself a bit, while you're stuck at home:
COMPUTER CONCERTS
Just because we’re all stuck at home doesn’t mean there isn’t music to be appreciated and local communities to support. University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton School of Music is showcasing its talents on Facebook Live throughout the next month. With pre-recorded selections ranging from choir, orchestra, jazz band and swing, there’s something to satisfy all musical tastes. All of the free performances begin streaming at 7:30 pm on scheduled dates. Learn more at uidaho.edu/class/music/events and tune into the school’s Facebook page for performances. This Friday, May 1, catch a virtual student chamber music recital.
ONLINE EXHIBITIONS
The Louvre and Metropolitan Museum of Art may not be offering free online access to their art collections, but local universities are doing their part to curb our cabin fever. Washington State University and Whitworth University are currently showcasing art students’ work online. To see the culmination of both undergraduate and graduate students' study of the fine arts check out finearts.wsu.edu and whitworthart.com. Immerse yourself in the virtual museum experience to transport out of quarantine for a second.
VIRTUAL VINEYARDS
Wine nights have become a more frequent occurrence in these trying times, but it may be time to class up your happy hour with a wine box, thoughtfully paired snacks, and an online class with a local wine specialist. Spokane’s Rocket Market is hosting weekly wine classes, with food and drink provided via curbside pickup, every Friday night for the foreseeable future. All you need to do is set up a Zoom account and email [email protected] for the details. Registration closes the Wednesday prior, so make sure to email before 4 pm if your quarantine needs just a little more wine time.
PAINT & SIP SAFELY
Some activities involving adult beverages are often more fun, and wine and paint parlors are a testament to this. Paint-and-sip date nights are still on the table despite social distancing with Pinot’s Palette offering live virtual events. Channel Bob Ross from your living room while sipping your favorite rose, merlot or chardonnay. At $15 a person, Pinot’s Palette is hosting online classes almost every day of the week with a number of make-your-own masterpieces to choose from. For a full class list visit pinotspalette.com/spokane.
ZOOM TIME STORYTIME
For the preschool age crowd, nothing beats a good story time, and with more time at home that means more time for books. Mom and Dad might want a break from Curious George and thanks to Spark Central, Online Pajama Story Time is up and running. Continue to encourage a love of reading in your little ones and log onto Zoom every Wednesday at 7 pm to catch local authors reading their favorite picture books aloud. All classes are free and recommended for ages 1-5. Check Spark Central’s Facebook page for more information and registration.
