Higher Ground is pleased to announce that they are in the process of building a large stage with video support in the Champlain Valley Expo’s Midway Lawn to provide a space for concerts and community events in the age of physical distancing.
Up to 250 vehicles will be able to park six feet apart from each other, with room to set up lawn chairs or a blanket in front of each vehicle.
Video will be broadcast on a state-of-the-art LED video wall, 27’ wide x 15’ tall, mounted on a massive forty foot high structure next to the stage to accommodate sight lines. The LED video wall provides crystal clear resolution in all weather and sound is broadcasted over FM radio.
The HG Drive-In Experience officially opens on June 13th weekend with three area High School graduation ceremonies. Higher Ground will announce other events and programming in the coming days.
“The goal,” says Alex Crothers, founder of Higher Ground, “is to provide a community resource to help facilitate public gatherings of all types. We’ve purposefully left the schedule open so that we can accommodate a broad range of uses. We’re in uncharted territory but we imagine religious worship, charity bingo nights, live streaming of concert events, chamber orchestras, live plays, weddings, political rallies, etc.” Crothers added, “While we practice physical distancing, it’s critical we find avenues to share social and cultural experiences.”
This project would be impossible without the support of Champlain Valley Exposition and generous contributions from: Vermont Community Foundation, Burton, Ben & Jerrys, AARP, Cynosure, Northfield Savings Bank, VSECU, Lake Champlain Ferries, Ferry Dock Marina, Solidarity of Unbridled Labour, Pomerleau Real Estate, and Atomic Pro Audio.
“We are in the midst of a watershed moment for Vermont communities, and we are excited that this collaboration will provide much-needed support to the arts community throughout our state,” said Vermont Community Foundation President & CEO Dan Smith. “Theaters, concert halls, and museums are exactly the type of places where people come to heal after hard times, which is why it’s important to preserve the arts now and in the future.”
Visit highergroundmusic.com for an updated calendar of Higher Ground Drive-In Experience events.
