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 current pandemic is scary, but imagining it without social media is terrifying. Sure, the internet can be a cesspool of misinformation and nasty fights, but the good definitely outweighs the bad these days because it's our lifeline to socializing.

Last night, the Dropkick Murphys streamed a world-wide live concert for St. Patrick's Day and it was extremely unifying for many. The band completely acknowledged the crisis through fundraising, shout outs and snippets of genuine conversation, but mostly provided a two-hour performance packed with music, energy and humor, i.e. new song "Mick Jones nicked my pudding."

Tonight (as in Wednesday, March 18), another performance-related virtual event called #MICMKE – a completely online "open mic" –  invites all users of social media to post a performance of any type from 5 to 10 p.m. 

Organized by Howard Leu and Ed Makowski, the Facebook invite says, "We're calling all friends to flood the cyber airwaves with music, poetry, comedy, dance, somersaults and/or anything!"

Participants can use hashtag #micmke and include Venmo links to encourage viewers to send a token of appreciation.

"This is a great opportunity for people in the arts throughout the Milwaukee area to connect during this period of distancing," says Makowski. "Just because we're stuck at home doesn't mean the creative juices have stopped flowing. If anything, many of us might finally have time to work on projects we've neglected or even better: learn a new skill."

For more info, click here.