Whether or not people wish things were different, live streaming has become the most useful and ubiquitous way people can connect instantaneously with the world. From Zoom meetings to virtual concerts to FaceTime calls, these days, everyone is live streaming in some capacity.

It may not be all too surprising to find that more and more local artists, musicians, businesses and institutions are turning to live streaming as a way to reconnect with their community after months on forced hiatus or, connect with new audiences for the first time in a way that might not have been possible before.

These three locally grown, live streaming programs are pushing out weekly interactive content interesting enough to merit a watch anytime but, if possible, really ought to be experienced live.

BREAKING IT DOWN WITH JODI MARKS

When P3 Theatre Company’s founder and artistic director, Jon Peterson, asked singer/actress Jodi Marks to host a weekly web series meant to educate and enlighten on issues of racism and discrimination and the Black community, she agreed on one condition: full autonomy.

From curating the topics to selecting the guest panelists, Marks has created a talk show that is as much an educational platform as it is a safe space for open discussion and debate.

Just over two months into the weekly web series, the show has hosted a wide range of guests speaking on topics delving into education and colorism, what it means to be a Black ally, to the challenges Black performers face in the entertainment industry. Ultimately, Marks hopes that the show equips viewers with the tools, knowledge and perspective to be an ally of the Black community and do their part in creating a more equitable world. (Cheantay Jensen)

“During this crazy year, I feel like a lot of people are starting to wake up and see that change needs to happen and it can’t happen unless we all work together,” she said.

Breaking it Down with Jodi Marks streams live every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m on Facebook. To catch up on past videos, check out their YouTube playlist, here.

BALLET FOLKLORICO & GARDENING WORKSHOPS PRESENTED BY CENTRO CHA

The Hispanic Community Association, Centro CHA, wanted their first venture into online programming to be something that was fun, interactive as well as intergenerational. Tasked with this mission, Centro CHA interns, Ariana Sahagun and Arely Lopez stepped up to produce a series of gardening and dance tutorials tailored to a Spanish-speaking audience.

“We wanted it to be a fun way to connect with family and the Earth to help individuals be able to step back and take a breather and not focus on the horrible things [happening right now],” Lissete Hernandez, Centro CHA’s program coordinator said.

On Fridays, Ariana Sahagun delves into ballet folklórico, Mexico’s beloved traditional folk dancing. The centuries-old dance style shares many distinct qualities—women dressed in colorful, flowing skirts and men adorned in embroidered suits all stamping their feet in syncopated rhythms to lively music—but depending on the region in Mexico, ballet folklórico can vary quite dramatically in footwork, fashion and musical styles.

Each week Sahagun will focus on one region in Mexico, teaching its “ballet folklórico” history with an accompanying step-by-step dance tutorial.

Arely Lopez’s gardening tutorials, titled “Blossom Together” teaches individuals how to cultivate their own garden at home using simple but effective household items. Lopez also touches on methods of growing and drying herbs and spices frequently used in cooking, such as cilantro and rosemary. (Cheantay Jensen)

“Ballet Folklórico” with Ariana Sahagun streams live on Facebook every Friday at 1 p.m while “Blossom Together” with Arely Lopez premieres either Wednesday or Thursday, with varying hours. For the latest in scheduling, follow the Centro CHA Instagram, here. To watch the live streams, or check out previous videos, click here.

BUNDY LIVE STREAM ON TWITCH

Once the members of local indie rock band Bundy realized they would likely have to wait until next year to play a live show, the group took to Twitch to create a live stream shindig broadcast from their Long Beach-based studio.

“A real DIY effort,” someone from the band told us in an Instagram DM, so we asked for a little more information.

During the live stream on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m., the group plays covers and originals all in the hopes of entertaining people while they’re stuck indoors (viewers can even request songs). Their long-term goal? To build a community, a space where people can tune in and hang with their friends by live streaming weekly for at least the next six to eight months.

Frontman Nani Gross said that’s one of the things he misses most about playing live performances.

“I miss the bartenders, the sound guys, the musicians, the fans,” Gross said. “In a nutshell, I miss the community. It was my whole life. Through all the thick and thin, the long nights, the broke musician eating ramen, the heartbreaks, the music scene was always there. Now it’s just gone… POOF!”

You can watch all four members of Bundy—Gross, drummer Mike Meza, bassist JB Vasquez and guitarist Johnny Lim—play on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. through Seattle record label Donut Sounds at twitch.tv/donutsoundsrecords, at donutsoundslive.com, as well as on Instagram @bundylbc. (Asia Morris)