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“It means so very much to have an audience again.”
The words by City Theatre Managing Director James McNeel couldn’t have been more true. Thursday night might’ve been a strange way of listening to a live concert, but the creativity by the team at City Theatre to safely bring live listeners to Hazelwood Green for the first of thirteen nights for its “Drive-In Arts Festival” was truly impressive.
Instead of claps, cheers, and whistling, it was honking, flashing lights, and car alarms to let the bands — The Living Street and The Buckle Downs — know their sounds were appreciated by the vehicle-bound fans. Of course, some concert goers sat outside of their vehicles, donning masks, while others took to the roofs, tuning the radio like you would at a drive-in movie theater to clearly hear the bands play.
From the perspective of a photographer who regularly covers these kinds of events and has missed them immensely since March, it felt so good. The incredible music on Thursday night gave the arts community what it needed most — to be together. City Theatre did a great job organizing and keeping everyone safe throughout the night. You may hear a train or two pass by, but it’s just part of the unique atmosphere, and I’d highly recommend anyone go as a reminder that we’re headed in the right direction and that these safety precautions will get us back to a good place in the near future.
For those wishing to attend future performances, patrons are recommended to bring snacks as there are no concessions, but there are restrooms on the premises as well as hand washing stations. All in attendance are required to wear a mask when not inside their vehicles. Tickets can be purchased here: citytheatre.culturaldistrict.org
Pittsburgh City Photos is sponsored by Tim Gyves, agent with RE/MAX Select Realty.
This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2020.
