CALLS FOR DARWIN DRIVE-IN
Live music lovers keen to bring back outdoor concerts
WITH restrictions on large gatherings due to COVID-19 potentially lasting for the foreseeable future, live music lovers are calling for the Territory to follow NSW and Victoria by holding “drive-in” concerts.
Drive In Entertainment Australia has been teaming up with local councils around the nation to launch a number of “Drive-in Hubs,” which would see audiences of up to 600 people enjoy live music, theatre, comedians, ballet, or orchestras from their cars. And, it’s COVID-19 safe.
The company put on its first drive-in show, free and headlined by singer Casey Donavon, in Sydney on Thursday – giving audiences a taste of what’s expected at eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria.
“Even if Stage 3 restrictions are realised in July, Australians (in most states) will still only be allowed to congregate with groups of up to 100 people, and that is not sustainable for most live performances,” said Drive-In Entertainment Australia’s Samwise Holmes.
“With the Drive-In Hubs, performers will have the ability to entertain up to 300 cars. And that’s a lot of people having a great night out – safely!”
Newly appointed Channel
NT – Virtual Territory producer and Darwin musician and arts worker Rick Knight supports the idea.
“It totally fits in with oldschool Darwin. I’d love to bring that back,” Mr Knight said. “The rest of the world is going to have COVID-19 restrictions for a long time and we want to be able to see a Foo Fighters concert in Darwin, we want to be able to have the Elton John concert like we had 10 years ago.
“It could be a real event – it could be the BASSINTHEGRASS that we wish we had.”
A spokeswoman from Darwin council said they were open to the initiative.
“City of Darwin has received permit applications from a number of organisations wanting to hold events (and) is waiting on clarification of safety plans,” she said. “We are looking at initiatives that support the local economy.”