I received an all caps text a few days ago from my friend and front man of Sweet and Tender Hooligans, Jose Maldonado saying “HOOLIGANS HAVE A SHOW!!!!!!!!” The live music sector has been working on the best and safest way to return to live shows, and after months of lockdown, they have finally come up with a solution. It’s a throw back to the 1950’s: the drive in.
Autosonic Concerts have announced three shows presented by Subaru that are set to take place in October at the OC Fair Event Center on a huge outdoor stage, with a large lighting system, and LED video screens.
They are kicking things off with a performance from the renowned Smiths and Morrissey tribute band SWEET AND TENDER HOOLIGANS on Friday, October 16th. The band will be performing two shows that night: 6:30pm and 9pm. It has been so long since they have played a live show, that when Maldonado received news of this booking, he immediately texted me saying “I’m a sobbing mess right now. I’m so f****** happy”. (Maldonado mentioned that his mother would be reading this article, so he asked if I could bleep out his curse word.) Hello Mrs. Maldonado.
Next up will be Queen Nation, a tribute to the music of Queen, on Saturday, October 17th. They will only be performing one show at 9pm, so make sure you book early. At only a 221 vehicle capacity, this show is expected to sell out fast.
And lastly, legendary rock band Jefferson Starship will be taking the stage for two shows on Sunday, October 18th: 6pm and 8:30pm. So, recline those seats, sit back, and chill to your favorite hits from the 70’s and 80’s.
Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the shows. There will be other events occurring at The OC Fair & Event Center, so it is important that you enter the CORRECT GATE!!! That would be GATE 2 off of Fair Drive. DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE MAIN GATE 1
The pricing for tickets ranges from $79 to $199 depending on your car’s proximity to the stage, not unlike a traditional show. Vehicles will be arranged in a staggered manner to ensure the best possible sight-lines in the venue.
Your ticket is good for 4 people in your vehicle. If your group is larger than 4, there is an option to add an additional person upon purchasing your ticket. All tickets must be purchased prior to your arrival. No tickets will be available onsite.
Take a look at the chart below to see if you will need to purchase a ticket in OVERSIZED VEHICLE PREMIUM or OVERSIZED BACK ROW. Vehicles in excess of the dimensions listed will not be admitted into GA or Front Row sections.
Audio will be transmitted directly to your car’s FM tuner and live sound system. A video presentation will instruct you on which station to tune into prior to the show.
You are encouraged to bring your own food and drinks, as there will be none available for sale. Also, there will be no trashcans at the venue. So, what you bring in, you have to take out.
They ask that you do not leave your vehicle to minimize risk of COVID spread and exposure. Attendants will be on site to oversee proper social distancing and to sanitize the restrooms after each use. Masks will be required while visiting the restrooms and anytime while outside of your vehicle.
TO GET TICKETS
If you have any further questions regarding the shows, you will be able to find your answers on their website… although, the one question they haven’t answered is how are the Sweet and Tender Hooligans fans going to be able to throw flowers onto the stage from their cars? Hmmmm 😉
