LYNDON — Catamount Arts and Northern Vermont University say they are partnering to offer drive-in entertainment this summer.
With COVID-19 safety concerns, artists and arts organizations around the state have been working to develop responsible programming strategies that reduce risks to live audiences.
Catamount Arts plans to host drive-in movies and concerts this summer at both NVU campuses, an innovation they hope will keep patrons safe while offering opportunities to get out and enjoy both live and large-screen entertainment.
The group says they are planning to start mid-July.
“Drive-in movies are classic entertainment,” said Jody Fried, of Catamount Arts. “We’re looking forward to bringing back that retro, nostalgic family fun. Live concerts will be a new spin on the drive-in experience, and maybe soften the blow of having to postpone this year’s Dog Mountain concerts.”
Catamount’s drive-in programming will utilize NVU’s campus radio stations to broadcast audio to patrons in their cars.
Anyone with access to FM radio will be able to listen to the broadcasts, even if they don’t attend the drive-in concerts in person.
The series boasts the added benefit of providing income to local performing artists.
Catamount plans to book regional bands exclusively, providing paying gigs for area musicians.
“Artists are struggling right now,” says Fried. “If we can make our creative economy a closed loop, that’s something we can all feel good about.”
Fried said they are still working out the details, booking bands, movies, figuring out the schedule.
I sure miss McNally’s drive-in…Those were the good ole days.