Where and how to stream virtual concerts during quarantine

By Meghan Chomeau, Special to OnMilwaukee Published Mar 28, 2020 at 10:01 AM

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE

The spread of COVID-19 has caused in-person concerts to be canceled, but thanks to social media, live music is NOT. Artists across the globe have cranked up their creativity and are reaching fans in new ways, sometimes all while wearing pajamas. Despite self-isolation, their videos will make you feel more connected than ever before because, ultimately, we are all in this together.

Now the important question: How do you find all of this amazing live music? We’ve got you covered! Check out our comprehensive list of who to follow, and add it to your daily routine – because live music is good for the soul even when it’s virtual!

"Living Room Concert For America"

iHeartRadio and FOX are presenting "Living Room Concert For America" this Sunday, March 29. The one-hour show, hosted by Elton John, starts at 9 p.m., and the evening will feature streamed living room concerts from some of your favorite stars like Billie Eilish, Dave Grohl, Tim McGraw, Alicia Keys, H.E.R. and Sam Smith.

The night won't just be about music. They will also pay tribute to health professionals, first responders and local heroes, with viewers encouraged to donate to Feeding America and First Responders Children's Foundation. Watch on FOX, or listen on the iHeartRadio app.

Live from Quarantine

Magic Giant is throwing a virtual festival on Sunday, March 29, at 3 p.m. The goal is to raise money for the touring crew members that are currently unemployed. Tune in to watch performances from 18 artists, including Milwaukee's Grace Weber and Chris Vos from The Record Company. A few of the other artists at the "festival" include Allen Stone, Robbie Wulfsohn from Ripe, Zac Barnett from American Authors, and Tom Higgenson from Plain White T's. Watch here.

ACM Presents: Our Country

The ACM Awards may be postponed, but they are still bringing together the genre's greatest acts during the show's originally slotted time with ACM Presents: Our Country. Get ready for music from Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Little Big Town, Kane Brown with John Legend, Carrie Underwood and more! The show will air on CBS at 6 p.m. on April 5.

Underground Music Series

The Underground Music Series is a local option that's raising money to support Milwaukee musicians. They have upcoming concerts with Phil Norby, Joe Hite and Kris Crow on March 28, followed by Jay Matthes and Matt Schroeder on April 4. Watch here – but before you tune in, double down on the local support and pick up food and beer to go from one of their sponsors, Raised Grain Brewery.

Coronavirus concerts

Follow the Instagram account Coronavirus Concerts for easy access to a curated list of artists that started with #togehterathome IGTV performances from Chris Martin and John Legend. Since then, the account has grown to include artists like Finneas O'Connell, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, Hozier, JoJo, Ellie Goulding, Jordan Davis, and Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith. Watch here.

Luck Reunion

Luck Reunion, the annual festival hosted by Willie Nelson, wasn't able to be held in person this year. But rather than canceling altogether, their live-stream "Until Further Notice" released stripped-down performances from dozens of artists, including Nathaniel Rateliff, Paul Simon, Jewel, and Willie, Lukas and Micah Nelson. You can support the event's artists by passing the boot with a Venmo to @Luck-Reunion. Watch here.

Rolling Stone's "In My Room" series

Rolling Stone has started the IGTV series "In My Room" with live performances every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m. Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys was the first to be featured fittingly singing "In My Room." Watch here.

Ben Gibbard

Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie is doing daily live-streams on Facebook and YouTube at 6 p.m. Each of his posts features a different cause to support. Watch here.

Bandsintown

Live concert curator Bandsintown has launched a Twitch channel to feature live-stream music. DJ Black Coffee kicked off the first performance. Follow the channel to see who is announced next. Watch here.