SUDBURY -- It has been a long couple of months for some without live music and concerts. The wait is over come Sept. 19, when the organizers of Northern Lights Festival Boreal are putting on a COVID-safe concert.
What usually is a four-day event in July has turned into a drive in concert later this month in New Sudbury Centre’s parking lot.
“After seeing some of the other drive-in events around town, films and things like that, we thought you know what maybe we can do this and maybe this is the best way although we would love to do just a regular festival,” said Max Merrifield.
“I think this is the best way to bring live music to as many people in Sudbury as possible.”
This year's lineup includes headliner Canadian artist Serena Ryder, two local acts -- Martine Fortin and Maxwell Jose -- The Julien Taylor Band from Toronto, returning artist Hawksley Workman.
Fortin said she is excited to bring her hometown together.
“To be able to sing from the heart when we all get together, and to gather communally (and) sing my own songs is very special,” she said.
Horizon Drive In, a new company for Northern Ontario, is in charge of set up, lay out and making sure the event is COVID safe.
“People have to stay in their car for the duration of the show, unless they are using the washroom,” said co-owner Kelsey Cutinello.
“As people roll in, we do have concessions, but they will be served their concession while in their vehicles.”
People in up to 250 vehicles are expected to take in the unusual show in the New Sudbury Centre parking lot.
