NJ's first drive-in concert scheduled for July

Drive-in concerts are emerging as a way to hold live music events while the coronavirus pandemic continues, and New Jersey is getting its first one. It happens on July 11 at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, NJ, where Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will perform, Variety reports. “The Asbury Jukes and I are so excited that we can play this first of its kind live concert and help get New Jersey started on a quick and healthy return to normal,” Johnny Lyon said. “Why sit at home when ‘We’re Havin’ A Party,’ drive-in style? We’ll safely see everyone July 11th.”

The ticket page states that the drive-in show will be subject to social distancing guidelines, including:

Vehicles will be spaced approximately 9’ apart. Windows may remain open at this distance.
Cars will park in a staggered fashion to achieve spacing and best visibility.
Patrons must remain inside their vehicle cabins.
Patrons may only leave their vehicles only to use restrooms, and will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Portable, single-stall restrooms will be cleaned between patrons.

Sound will be broadcast to cars via FM radio, and four people max will be allowed per car. No alcohol will be available to purchase inside the venue, and no “tailgating or out-of-vehicle gatherings” will be allowed.

Lyon had his annual Fourth of July weekend show scheduled at Asbury Park’s Stone Pony Summer Stage for July 3, 2020, but it’s been cancelled, and his return scheduled for July 3, 2021.

Fellow NJ native Bruce Springsteen has appeared live with Southside Johnny in the past.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn is getting a drive-in movie theater in Greenpoint, and a drive-in festival is being planned for the Yankee Stadium parking lot in July.