Outdoor Concerts Stacking Up Musical, Comedy Stars In Morris
MORRIS — After a sold out opening night with a stellar solo set from Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Grace Potter and a separate comedy showcase featuring Nikki Glaser, many more stars are beginning to come out with plans to perform socially distanced live shows at South Farms' new concert field.
Premier Concerts / Manic Presents along with NHCPA South Farms, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Haven Center for Performing Arts Inc, are continuing to expand at the Litchfield County venue with newly announced Twilight Concerts (and Comedy) On The Farm.
Twilight Concerts On The Farm take place on over 10 acres of manicured farmland. The venue boasts a structured grid layout, adhering to public health guidelines while still maintaining the intimacy of live concerts.
The vast spacing and outdoor conditions (open air) help reduce potential transmission and encourage social distancing according to the promoter. With safety as the top priority, each event will comply with the most current health and safety standards per state regulations and local jurisdictions in order to protect fans, artists, crews and staff.
Labor Day weekend kicks off with pioneers of the Jersey Shore sound, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes on Saturday, September 5. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes emerged from the New Jersey shore scene in 1974, and though they carried over a significant influence (and some key personnel) from Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, the Jukes evolved as more of an R&B horn band in the Memphis Stax Records tradition.
The band is well known for high-energy shows and no-holds-barred songs, including “I Don’t Wanna Go Home,” “Havin’ a Party,” “The Fever,” “Talk to Me,” “Trapped Again,” and “This Time It’s For Real.”
Then, classic jazz rock continues with the state's premier Chicago tribute band, Connecticut Transit Authority on Sunday, September 6. They focus on the early years of Chicago, better known as the "Terry Kath Era," when the band was raw with emotion, heart and soul.
Songs from Chicago's 1969 debut album Chicago Transit Authority through 1977's Chicago XI are covered here with attention to detail and respect for the originators of these timeless classics. The band's setlist contains hits like "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is," "Make Me Smile," "Beginnings," "Just You 'n Me," "Dialogue," "Old Days," and many more.
While a show with guitar phenom Marcus King Tuesday, September 8 is sold out, tickets are still available for the following shows and series:
*Comedians Mike Birbiglia, Pete Davidson, and John Mulaney on September 9 — Wednesday night has never been so funny as this trio of contemporary comedians entertains fans and curios newcomers at South Farms. This event features two shows at 6:30 and 9:30 pm.
*Dinosaur Jr. on Friday, September 11 — Preceding Nirvana by several years, Dinosaur Jr. was instrumental in bringing the crashing sounds of lead guitar back to indie rock. Front man J Mascis’ effects-laden guitars are wrapped around some of the best songwriting of the decade, and the band's first three albums, Dinosaur, You're Living All Over Me and Bug, are now considered cult masterpieces.
*Goose on Wednesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 17 — This Norwalk-based band is comprised of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keyboards/guitar), Trevor Bass (bass), and Ben Atkind (drums). Goose’s music is the culmination of a rich history between friends of differing ages and experiences from the same small town in Connecticut, drawn together through a deep love of music and storytelling.
*Citizen Cope on Friday, September 18 — Citizen Cope is an American songwriter, producer and performer whose music is described as a mix of blues, soul, folk, and rock. Cope recently released the technically innovative and emotionally resonant Heroin and Helicopters, his first album in six years — arriving at a uniquely challenging moment in modern American culture, when profound political polarization and social divisions seem to grow deeper by the day.
*Bill Burr — has added new shows on Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25. Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation achieving success in TV and film as well as on stage. Bill sells out theaters internationally and his Monday Morning Podcast is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts on iTunes.
*Warren Haynes with Gov't Mule keyboard player Danny Louis on Thursday, October 1, Thursday, October 8, Thursday, October 15 — Grammy Award winning artist Warren Haynes has been recognized as a cornerstone of the American music landscape. Throughout his prolific career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and the Dead – his virtuoso artistry has led to thousands of unforgettable performances and millions of album and track sales.
*Twiddle on Friday October 2 and Saturday, October 3 — In a live setting, more and more people are invigorated by Twiddle’s community, promoting positivity and the band’s skillful improvisational music. So many like-minded people believe in the greater good, and they find that good in Twiddle. ($1 from every ticket - $2 per Grid Ticket - goes to the White Light Foundation.
Several other Bill Burr and Warren Haynes shows, as well as a one-off set with CAAMP have also sold out.
Concertgoers purchase an 8’x8’ Grid which is surrounded by an additional Social Distance Grid along with aisle spacing. Each Grid is designed for two guests and is offset to maximize stage view.
Grids cannot be merged and it is required to watch the performance from your designated area. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating and enjoying the farm field. Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Food trucks and a full bar will be available on site.
All events are all ages and rain or shine. More facility seating and safety information, and links to ticketing can be found at twilightconcertsonthefarm.com