Oh, you think Europe is going to have all the fun with drive-in concerts? Not so fast, says New Jersey. Jersey has been slowly reopening after quarantine, with beaches now open and soon there will be drive-in concerts as well.
Variety reports that on July 11, Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, NJ will host Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes for a drive-in experience.
"The Asbury Jukes and I are so excited that we can play this first of its kind live concert and help get New Jersey started on a quick and healthy return to normal," Johnny Lyon said. "Why sit at home when 'We’re Havin’ A Party,' drive-in style? We’ll safely see everyone July 11th."
Variety reports that country artists have been doing drive-in concerts for the last few weeks. "Drive-in concerts are becoming increasingly popular, with country star Keith Urban playing for about 200 people in 125 vehicles at the Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Watertown, Tenn, and Utopia bassist Kasim Sulton and former Styx member Glen Burtnik’s new band, the Weeklings, playing sold-out shows in Derry, New Hampshire at the Tupelo Music Hall." There have also been some drive-in DJ sets happening.
The Jersey drive-in concert will be the largest scale concert yet, with accomodations for 1,000 separate vehicles, max capacity four people per vehicle.
Each car will be spaced nine feet apart to comply with social distancing guidelines. Cars will be parked in a "staggered" fashion for better viewability.
Alcohol will not be available, and no tailgating allowed, but there will be concessions sold. Fans can leave their car to go to the restroom, which is going to be sanitized after every use (prayers to whomever has that job).
Tickets are priced between $150 and $250 on Ticketmaster, with a portion of proceeds promised to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. More information can be found at thebasie.org/drivein
