It feels strange making this observation as someone who lives in New Orleans, but live music is as rare as gold these days. While social distancing continues to be the norm, in-person shows are practically a relic. Fortunately, online streams continue to be a salve, an adaptation that musicians have been finding by necessity to get their stuff out there to an eager public. In that vein, here are five online music events coming up this week alone, all of which are free.

Anders Osborne's "Southern Mystic Nights" with Guest Mike Dillon

New Orleans musician Anders Osborne is doing a series of livestreams through his Facebook page. The event this Friday promises to "weave a mystical Southern tapestry of South Louisiana songs and original music." Who could turn down an offer like that? Osborne is a local singer-songwriter and rock musician. Friday, July 10. 6:30 p.m.

Sleazeball (Micro)Orchestra

SideBar Nola, the hip Mid-City tavern, has been keeping a lively online music calendar throughout the quarantine. The "Getting Fess-tive!" event is just one of many of their selections to be found on their website, Virtual SideBar. The musical selections are mostly New Orleans jazz-related. Friday, July 10, 7:00 p.m.

Porch Fest: The Songs of Burt Bacharach

Singer Anais St. John and friends are recording a live show honoring the legendary Burt Bacharach. Bacharach, for those who don't know, is a still-living composer and songwriter who has done everything from scoring famous movie soundtracks to making hit pop songs. Saturday, July 11, 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Livestreaming from Home with Haruka Kikuchi

Haruka Kikuchi is an independent musician from Japan who's spent some time in the Big Easy. True to the city's pluralistic roots, she offers a unique amalgam of East Asian and Southeast Louisianan influences. She released an album titled "Japan: New Orleans Collection Series." Kikuchi is doing a livestream from home this Sunday via her Facebook page. Sunday, July 19, 1:00 p.m.

The Allman Betts Band

This show will be coming out of California this weekend. A place called Soho Restaurant & Music Club out of Santa Barbara has been airing performances by different bands. The Allman Band is a derivative of the late, enormously popular, Allman Brothers Band. This group's principal members are Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, respectively. They do both original music and covers of Allman Brothers Band songs. Sunday, July 12, 7:00 p.m.