The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
FUN ON THE FARM
Outdoor music and comedy series starts up
Singer-songwriter Grace Potter and comedian Nikki Glaser will perform outdoor shows as part of two new entertainment series starting this month at South Farms in Morris, in Litchfield County.
Potter, a Grammy-nominated artist, kicks off the “Twilight Concerts On The Farm” series Saturday, Aug. 22; more music is on the way, including Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (Sept. 5), Marcus King Trio (Sept. 8) and Dinosaur Jr. (Sept. 11).
Glaser, from Netflix’s “Bangin’” and Comedy Central’s “Not Safe with Nikki Glaser,” opens the “Twilight Comedy On The Farm” series Sunday, Aug. 30, with shows at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Premier Concerts/Manic Presents and NHCPA South Farms
LLC, a subsidiary of New Haven Center for Performing Arts, Inc., created the two series with South Farms. All you need do is order tickets in advance — they’re selling fast — and bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the shows.
“The setup is perfect because it’s a farm field,” said Keith Mahler, of Premier Concerts/Manic Presents. “It’s wide open for plenty of social distancing. We are not constrained by any walls or buildings and it’s fully open air.
“We know this venue is gonna work out fantastically and be a model for any other professionals who produce live shows,” he said. Mahler is in-the-know; when asked his title, he said, “My job is being the guy in charge of artist and fan happiness.”
Considering the big picture, Mahler said, “We are looking at this time period as one long set break. The show must go on and the show will go on at South Farms. We look forward to seeing all the live music fans coming out.
“As you’re probably aware, New Haven Center for Performing Arts was scheduled to open the Westville Music Bowl (in the former Connecticut Tennis Center) this season, and due to COVID-19 that opening was moved to 2021,” he said. “We had been working with our friends at South Farms on a music project for a couple years. When we got a call that said, ‘You know, the timing might be right to do this now,’ we switched gears.
“We said, ‘OK, let’s start working at this; we developed an operating plan that everybody loved. It’s protocol driven and social distancing appropriate.”
Looking to the future of the concert industry, Mahler sees “a pause in 2020,” but is “very optimistic” about what comes next. “The demand is enormous,” he said.
“We’ve been postponing and rescheduling shows like everybody else. Our refund rate is less than 6.75 percent, which is just telling us the fans are very supportive of the shows we have booked... and are anxious to get back to live music.”
There’s more than 10 acres of manicured farmland at South Farms. That means plenty of space to keep people safe while maintaining the intimacy of a live concert.
Here’s how it will work: Concertgoers purchase a grid (8 feet-by-8 feet), which is surrounded by an additional social distance grid, along with aisle spacing. Each grid is designed for two guests and offset to maximize viewing of the stage.
Grids cannot be merged, as safety is the priority. Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Food trucks and a full bar will be onsite.
“Each show will comply with the most current health and safety standards per state regulations and local jurisdictions in order to protect guests, artists, crew and staff,” promoters said in a news release.
Face masks are mandatory when entering, exiting and moving through the venue to restrooms or concession areas. Masks are not required within the guest grid. There will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the area.
Such high-touch areas as door handles and counter surfaces will be regularly disinfected throughout the shows. Restrooms will be cleaned and restocked, as well. Also, everyone entering the venue — including guests, artists, crew and staff — will have their temperature checked and complete a short questionnaire. Masks and gloves will be available upon request.
Shows are rain or shine and tickets are limited because only 25 percent of the area can be used, per the state’s order. Shows are all ages, unless otherwise noted.
Mahler says more shows will be rolled out soon. You can find the latest updates at www.twilight concertsonthefarm.com, musicis betterongrass.com,premierconcerts .com and manicpresents.com