Here are a few of the best events happening Friday through Wednesday and how to tune in (all times are Eastern).
Star-Studded Graduation Event for the Class of 2020
Friday at 2 p.m. on Facebook
No one’s ever had a commencement ceremony quite like this. On Friday, Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak of “The Office” will host a multihour broadcast called “#Graduation2020” in honor of seniors whose ceremonies were canceled because of the pandemic. Oprah Winfrey will deliver the commencement address, and Sheryl Sandberg the introduction. Miley Cyrus will perform her song “The Climb,” and Simone Biles, Cardi B, Matthew McConaughey, Kristen Bell, Selena Gomez, Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X and more will offer words of wisdom for graduates.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Facebook Watch and the Facebook app. Individual segments will be posted to Instagram’s official Instagram account, as well as to contributors’ social media accounts.
Katy Perry Performs and Takes Fan Questions
Friday at 1 p.m. on Amazon
The pop superstar Katy Perry will anchor Amazon Music’s new livestreaming series on Friday, where she’ll perform her new song, “Daisies,” live for the first time, along with her hits “Roar” and “Never Really Over.” Afterward, she’ll sit down to answer fan questions, which can be submitted before the show by commenting on her social posts, or via chat during the livestream.
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Amazon Live on desktop, mobile, Fire tablet or via the Amazon Shopping app.
1992’s Freddie Mercury Tribute Streams for a Cause
Friday 2 p.m. on YouTube
In 1992, Queen’s remaining members Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon were joined onstage by many of the world’s biggest acts including David Bowie, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, Robert Plant, Metallica, Liza Minnelli, Def Leppard, Seal, Roger Daltrey. The concert — which took place in front 72,000 people at Wembley Stadium in London, with a global broadcast audience of around one billion — was a tribute to Queen’s lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury, who died of AIDS in 1991. On Friday, this event, called the “Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert,” will stream globally in support of the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. Google.org is matching $2 for every $1 donated.
When: 2 p.m., and the concert will be available for 48 hours.
Where: Queen’s YouTube channel.
An Acoustic Evening With Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires
Friday at 8 p.m. on Fans.com
From Brooklyn Bowl Nashville — with no audience, of course — the country music artists Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires will perform a live acoustic set on Friday to celebrate the release of “Reunions,” Isbell’s new album with his band, the 400 Unit.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Register here to receive a link to the stream on Fans.com.
‘Cats’: Andrew Lloyd Webber Provides Live Commentary
Friday at 2 p.m. on YouTube
What does Andrew Lloyd Webber have to say about a little musical he composed called “Cats”? We’re about to find out. On Friday, the music theater impresario will provide live audio commentary during a stream of the 1998 stage production of the show, starring Elaine Paige and John Mills. Fans can submit questions to Webber on Twitter using #ALWCats. If you’d rather watch the musical uninterrupted, you’ll have that option, too. Donations will go to The Actors Fund.
When: 2 p.m., and both streams will be available for 48 hours.
Where: The Shows Must Go On! YouTube channel.
A Benefit for Hollywood’s Behind-the-Scenes Workers
Friday at 9 p.m. on YouTube
The Motion Picture & Television Fund is hosting a one-night benefit to help those who work behind-the-scenes in TV and movies. The event will include stories, music, comedy and personal messages from Pierce Brosnan, George Clooney, Taye Diggs, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Daisy Fuentes, Brad Garrett, Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney, Kris Jenner, Ray Romano, Wanda Sykes, Ming-Na Wen and many more. Skyler Day, Susanna Hoffs, Richard Marx, Leslie Odom Jr., Brad Paisley and Rachel Platten will perform. Yvette Nicole Brown and Tom Bergeron host.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: The Motion Picture & Television Fund’s YouTube page.
The Black Eyed Peas, From Will.i.am’s Studio
Saturday at 8 p.m. on YouTube
The Black Eyed Peas are kicking off Budweiser’s new interactive concert series, “Budweiser Rewind,” which will feature headlining artists from 1990s and early 2000s. The pop group will perform live from Will.i.am’s studio in Los Angeles. During and leading up to the shows, fans can help curate the set list and ask questions directly to artists on social media.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Black Eyed Peas YouTube channel.
Nelly and Ludacris Go Head to Head
Saturday at 7 p.m. on Instagram
Verzuz TV’s Instagram live battle series continues on Saturday with two of hip-hop’s most enduring artists: Nelly and Ludacris. The series, curated by the music producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, has been hugely popular in recent weeks. Previous battles — between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott; Teddy Riley and Babyface; and T-Pain and Lil Jon — have attracted millions of viewers.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Verzuz TV’s Instagram page.
‘Orphan Black’ Cast Reunites for Table Read
Sunday at 3 p.m. on Facebook
The cast of BBC America’s Peabody Award-winning show “Orphan Black” will reunite for a table reading of Episodes 6 and 7 from the show’s first season. The virtual reunion — which will include, among many others, the actors Tatiana Maslany, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jordan Gavaris and Kristian Bruun, as well as the show’s creators Graeme Manson and John Fawcett — is timed to Mental Health Awareness Month and the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Orphan Black Facebook page
‘A Night of Covenant House Stars’
Monday at 8 p.m. on Facebook
More than 50 Hollywood and Broadway performers are gathering virtually on Monday for a special livestream benefit concert, “A Night of Covenant House Stars.” Participants — including Jon Bon Jovi, Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Rachel Brosnahan, Stephen Colbert, Morgan Freeman, Martin Short, Dolly Parton, Tony Shalhoub — will sing and share messages for young people to raise money and awareness for the international charity Covenant House. Audra McDonald will host.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Covenant House’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitch pages, as well as Broadway World, Broadway on Demand, iHeartRadio Broadway, Stars in the House and Amazon Prime Video.
A Night With Alanis Morissette and ‘Jagged Little Pill’
Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Facebook
You may not have gotten to see the musical “Jagged Little Pill” (a New York Times Critic’s Pick) before the pandemic shuttered Broadway, but that’s OK. Its stars and its inspiration, Alanis Morissette, are coming to you on Tuesday with “You Live, You Learn,” an event benefiting The Actors Fund. The evening will feature performances and conversations with Morissette and the musical’s cast, as well as special appearances by Diablo Cody, Diane Paulus, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Tom Kitt. If you love belting out Morissette’s songs and are ready to share your version with the world, you could be featured during the livestream. Enter the cover-song contest by posting a video on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #JaggedFanCovers. A clip of the winning entry will be played.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The “Jagged Little Pill” Facebook and YouTube pages. Starting May 20, the show will be available on the American Express Experiences hub.
‘Smash’ Cast Reunites for ‘Bombshell in Concert’
Wednesday at 8 p.m. on People.com
The cast of NBC’s “Smash,” the campy musical drama that’s approaching cultlike status, will reunite on Wednesday for a one-night-only virtual event recreating the 2015 Broadway concert of “Bombshell,” the musical at the center of the TV show. The actors Katharine McPhee, Debra Messing and Megan Hilty will all participate, as will Christian Borle, Jaime Cepero, Will Chase, Brian d’Arcy James, Jack Davenport, Ann Harada, Jeremy Jordan, Andy Mientus, Leslie Odom Jr., Krysta Rodriguez and Wesley Taylor. The evening, to benefit The Actors Fund, will be introduced by Renée Zellweger, and Julie Klausner will host.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: People.com, and People’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Source: Movies - nytimes.com
