Drive-in concerts coming to Grafton
Drive-in movie theaters are popping up in Franklin and Brookfield.
Now get ready for drive-in movies — and concerts — in Grafton.
Metal stamping company Kapco is hosting a two-week series of events, “Live at the Lot,” from its headquarters’ parking lot, from June 5 to 20.
The series will include screenings of movies like “Frozen 2” and “Sonic The Hedgehog.” But what really sets it apart are the concerts. K-Nation Entertainment, which like Kapco is run by Jim Kacmarcik, specializes in live music, and operates a 24-by-20 foot mobile stage, and lighting and sound systems, that will be used for Live at the Lot.
“After so much time of social distancing we’re longing for concerts and movies and festivals that really define our summertime in the region, but Covid is still very significant and affects everybody,” Kacmarcik said. “I just feel it’s imperative to take responsibilities for ourselves, our neighbors, and our friends to begin to carefully do some great social interactions, and do it in a super safe way for all the participants, the audience and everyone around.”
Opening night on June 5 and a concert on June 19 will be free private shows reserved for local health care workers and first responders. Live at the Lot shows open to the public include Tom Higgenson, lead singer for the Plain White T’s, who will perform a solo acoustic set on June 13, and Nashville artists Conner Sweet and Matt Wynn, both signed to Kacmarcik’s company Given Music Publishing.
The lineup will largely consist of local musicians who’ve seen their income dry up during the pandemic, including Pat McCurdy, Joe 2.0, the Keith Pulvermacher Band and Zac Matthews Band.
The reopening of Wisconsin has sparked the return of live music at some bars, restaurants, wineries and campsites across the state. But live music venues remain closed across much of the the country, and drive-in concerts are catching on, with events taking place and booked in Tennessee, Arizona, Alabama and other states, featuring noted names like Keith Urban, Alan Jackson and TobyMac.
“Live at the Lot” will feature the first drive-in concerts in Wisconsin since the pandemic began. The series has been devised with input from health officials and Village of Grafton authorities.
LIVE AT THE LOT SCHEDULE
June 5:
Private concert for health care workers and first responders. Artist to be announced.
June 7 (two separate events):
June 8:
June 9:
June 10:
June 11:
June 12:
Keith Pulvermacher Band (5:30 p.m.); “Frozen 2” (8:45 p.m.)
Joe 2.0 (5:30 p.m.); “Sonic The Hedgehog” (8:45 p.m.)
Live Music and a Movie with Ryan McIntyre, followed by “Onward” (7:30 p.m.)
Live Music and a Movie with cellist Peter Thomas of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, followed by “The Lion King” (7:30 p.m.)
Live Music and a Movie with “We want to do this so right and so carefully so that we can be an example of a ways we can get back out there and enjoy the beautiful love that we have of music,” Kacmarcik said.
Each event will be restricted to approximately 50 cars, with the closest line of cars 15 feet from the stage. Tickets per car range in price, and are only available in advance online at
Cars must arrive at least 20 minutes before showtime to avoid traffic issues.
Guests will be assigned a designated spot, where they can watch the show from inside their car or from a lawn chair they bring to the show that they can set up within the designated space. They’ll also be encouraged to tip some musicians via Venmo.
Guests can bring their own food and
Peter Thomas, followed by “Toy Story 4” (7:30 p.m.)
p.m.)
June 13:
Zac Matthews Band (6 p.m.)
Milwaukee Tool Shed Band (7
Tom Higgenson, lead singer of Plain White T’s (7 p.m.)
The Myles and Amanda Jazz Ensemble (5:30 p.m.)
TBA
TBA
TBA
Pat McCurdy (6 p.m.)
Private concert for health care workers and first responders.
Artist TBA. Conner Sweet and Matt Wynn (7 p.m.)
June 20:
drinks, but items from area restaurants will also be available to purchase via a cashless curbside delivery system. Alcohol and grilling are not permitted. Portable toilets will be onsite, and security will be at the events to ensure social distancing.
More information can be found at
and people can text “LIVEATLOT” to 555888 to receive announcements.
All proceeds from Live at the Lot events will benefit Hometown Heroes, Kacmarcik’s charity that oversees camps for children who have experienced trauma, have a parent who is incarcerated, or lost a parent who served in the U.S. military.