Drive-In Entertainment announces program of Aussie Performers
Hot on the heels of its successful test-drive media launch with Casey Donovan, Drive-In Entertainment Australia has announced the first set of artists who will spearhead its program of 640+ performances from July to November this year. The Veronicas will headline a wide-ranging group home-grown artists eager to entertain the estimated 400,000 attendees (with a capacity of over 1 million), all while adhering to COVID-safe regulations. Diversity in programming has been key so organisers can cater to the many audience types expected to attend. Drive-In Entertainment Australia will have eight venues across Sydney and Melbourne, with each location having a 4 week run and a capacity for 300-500 cars. It all kicks off on July 17 with 4 to 5 shows each day and night, with the opening day’s spectacular program concluding with Australia’s first ever Drive In Nightclub, orchestrated by acclaimed DJ Dan Murphy.
The performances are expected to be the biggest live events Australia will see this year, ever since the country went in to lockdown in March. Performances will have the added benefit of being live-streamed to the cars via Zoom, allowing the audience to see themselves and friends on the big screen and to interact with artists live on stage.
Due to International travel being non-existent, Drive-In Entertainment is championing Australian talent with a program complete with music, comedy and other types of performances. Comedy Drive-In Nights for example will be headlined by acts such as Akmal Saleh, Arj Barker, Jimeoin and The Umbilical Brothers. As well as The Veronicas, other musical acts include Kate Ceberano, Casey Donovan and Jess & Matt. Musical theatre lovers have also been catered for with the show, Broadway Reimagined.
“These acts are only the start, we have more artists and venues being added over the upcoming months,” said Samwise Holmes, Managing Director of Drive-In Entertainment Australia. “For example, we are currently in talks with some of Australia’s hottest indie bands that sell out concerts in places like The Enmore in Sydney – so this audience type will be catered for as well. If you love live performances, we urge you to please sign up to our newsletter at driveinentertainment.com.au or and like us on social media so you can be given first access to tickets.”
Entertainment will be available even for those who can’t drive, with Nickelodeon’s Hour of Power featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol and Wiggles keeping the kids happy.
Just before COVID-19, The Veronicas were performing at festivals across the globe, packing out stages everywhere they went. “Performing to a carpark full of fans may not be the same as performing at Good Things Festival, but we are so here for it!” Said Lisa Origliasso of The Veronicas. “Lisa and I are happiest when performing and we’ve been gutted at the thought of not being able to sing live again for some time, even years,” said Jess Origliasso. “That’s why we pounced at this great opportunity to get back on stage.”
DJ Dan Murphy embraced the idea of being a trailblazer. “I am thrilled to be DJing the country’s first ever drive in nightclub! The stage and set up is going to be epic and I can’t wait to see all the cars lit up for the occasion. We definitely encourage everyone to raid their dress up boxes for these two events!”
The first Dan Murphy party will be 90s themed, and the second party will be his mega club night, I Remember House. If you love Hed Kandi, Ibiza Classics and Ministry of Sound, you will not be disappointed.
President of Equity, Chloe Dallimore, is excited by the news of the Aussie-centric program. “Thousands of creatives, performers, musicians and technicians have been left out of the JobKeeper allowance, and our proud industry is on its knees. Drive-in Entertainment is an innovative way of rethinking audience access to our live entertainment sector. It’s a retro concept that will not only thrill audiences but will hopefully help keep the heartbeat of Australian entertainment alive and thriving until we’re able to perform in our traditional venues once more.
For ticket sales and the full program that will be updated on a regular basis, visit driveinentertainment.com.au.
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