While indoor music venues and event spaces remained closed for the foreseeable future, concert promoters across America continue to explore every possible option to bring back live music during the COVID-19 era. Drive-in shows and outdoor events with socially distant seating arrangements appear to be the safest option for everyone involved for the time being, and one farm in Connecticut is planning to begin hosting events with legitimate entertainers while the weather is still warm enough to do so.
South Farms in the town of Morris, CT has partnered with Premier Concerts/Manic Presents (the concert promoter behind New Haven’s College Street Music Hall) to produce upcoming events under the banner “Twilight Concerts On The Farm”, with scheduled performances from Grace Potter (August 22nd) and comedian Nikki Glaser (August 30th).
The farm, which is owned by the Paletsky family, will offer enough land for organizers to map out 250 separate 8′ x 8′ squares that can hold up to two people. Each square (one ticket) will sell for $100-$160, and will be surrounded by an additional grid space/aisle spacing to allow for safe social distancing. Prior to the start of each event, participating musicians/entertainers, their crew, venue staff, and audience members will be given temperature screenings and must fill out a short health questionnaire. Once inside, a staff member will escort masked audience members to their designated space where they can then remove their masks and enjoy the show.
Food trucks and full bars will also operate on-site to give attendees the proper amenities for a fun night out–remember those?
“It’s been nearly five months since any live shows have happened. On a personal level, this would be by far the longest I’ve gone without seeing a live performance I was probably 10 years old, and I really miss it,” Premier Concerts/Manic Presents Talent Buyer Mark Nussbaum said of the initiative to begin hosting live events again. “We’re in the business of bringing people together to enjoy live experiences. I think it’s been really tough for a lot of people.”
Fans should note that the “venue” will enforce a strict “One Strike and You’re Out” policy if they catch anyone failing to abide by the event rules. According to the state’s “Phase 2 Reopen Rules,” outdoor organized gatherings cannot currently exceed 500 people, and outdoor event venues can only operate at 25% of a normal fire capacity.
Click here for more info and ticketing details on the upcoming 2020 events at South Farms.
[H/T Courant]