The Buckle Downs perform at Hazelwood Green as part of City Theatre’s “Drive-In Arts Festival” Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham

“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

Cars line up in front of Hazelwood Green, waiting to enter the parking lot. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
City Theatre employees direct traffic into the parking lot. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Cars line up in front of Hazelwood Green, waiting to enter the parking lot. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
A couple of women enjoy their dinner outside of their vehicle before the concert begins. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
A City Theatre employee directs traffic in the parking lot as the sun sets. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Nick Guckert (left) and Edward Angelo (right) of The Living Street warm up inside of their shipping container in the parking lot of Hazelwood Green before going on stage. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Nick Guckert (left) and Edward Angelo (right) of The Living Street perform. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Greg Messmer, master electrician, operates the lights from his shipping container next to the stage. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Nick Guckert (left) and Edward Angelo (right) of The Living Street perform. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Audience members listen from their cars in the parking lot. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Nick Guckert (left) and Edward Angelo (right) of The Living Street perform. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Audience members listen from in front of their cars in the parking lot. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
An audience member takes a photo with their cell phone of the concert. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Edward Angelo and Nick Guckert of The Living Street embrace following their set. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
People sit outside of their vehicles near the “front row” as the spotlight hits them. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
The Buckle Downs perform at Hazelwood Green. Credit: CP Photo: Jared Wickerham
Pittsburgh City Photos is sponsored by Tim Gyves, agent with RE/MAX Select Realty.

This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2020.

Photographer/Videographer