Drive-In Performance: Amy Helm

To continue this unconventional 45th season of events, we will be hosting our first in-person concert of the year – a drive-in concert featuring Amy Helm!

Amy Helm sought what she calls a “circular sound” for her new album. It’s a well-rounded one, one marked by streaks of Americana, country, blues, and gospel, and the kinds of four-part harmonies that can burst open a melody and close the loop of an octave. And sentimentally, it’s a sound that represents the feeling of community.

This Too Shall Light, released ​September 21, 2018 on Yep Roc Records, comprises 10 songs produced by Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Joe Henry. Helm left her home and comfort zone of Woodstock, NY, choosing ​to record in Los Angeles within the confines of just a four-day window. The musicians were directed not to overthink the songs, and Helm herself barely performed any of the selections while leading up to the recording. As a result, the sessions forced fast musical trust among the collaborators and yielded the vibrant instrumental improvisations heard throughout This Too Shall Light.

Although a profound songwriter herself, Helm and Henry jointly arranged a diverse collection of songs for the record, which range from Rod Stewart’s “Mandolin Wind” to Allen Toussaint’s “Freedom for the Stallion” and even the Milk Carton Kids’ “Michigan.” The title track in particular, written by Hiss Golden Messenger’s MC Taylor and Josh Kaufman (Josh Ritter, Bob Weir, Craig Finn), ​is a brilliant summation of the record’s sound and spirit. Seemingly a play on the old adage that “This too shall pass,” Helm’s voice veers from commanding to supplicating within a single soulful verse, as she manipulates that message so that light leads throughout even the darkest of times.

A lifelong musician and music-lover, Helm’s parents —The Band’s legendary drummer and singer Levon Helm and singer/songwriter Libby Titus — guided her training and influences. She later became a founding member of the alt-country collective Ollabelle and served as a backing musician in her father’s Midnight Ramble Band. And on This Too Shall Light, Helm says that two songs in particular pay homage to Levon — “The Stones I Throw,” a song he released in 1965 with Levon and the Hawks, and the closing traditional number, an a cappella version of the hymnal “Gloryland,” which was passed from father to daughter.

While This Too Shall Light is only Helm’s second album under her own name, it serves as a comprehensive portrait covering her life’s journeys and recoveries; They’re the stories that, no matter where they take her, seem to end and begin in the same place like a circle.

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Due to social distancing guidelines, tickets are limited and we will be hosting this event at our members’ property (only an 8 mile drive away from The Centre).

This event will be broadcast over our FM transmitter. You can tune in with your car stereo or bring a boom box!

West Kortright Centre Member Prices:

• 2 per car – $54
• 3 per car – $78
• 4 per car – $100

Non-Member Prices:

• 2 per car – $60
• 3 per car – $87
• 4 per car – $112

More than 4 attendees are allowed per car, but must purchase a $25 “Additional Car Attendee” ticket per guest. Occupancy of cars must not exceed the legal limit of the vehicle. Children 8 & younger are free.

Advanced ticketing closes at 5pm on Friday 10/02. If available, tickets can be purchased day of. Doors open at 2pm

Food:

Brushland Eating House will be serving up sandwiches prior to the show! Sandwiches are $15 a piece. All meal orders must be placed online in advance. Pre-ordered food will be available for pickup once you have parked in your space.

General Guidelines to Follow:

• If you are sick, running a fever or have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home until you are healthy.

• For the safety of yourself and others, please only attend this event with people in your immediate quarantine circle.

• Please maintain 6 feet of social distance between yourself and those outside of your immediate quarantine circle at all times.

• Please wear a mask anytime you are outside of your parking area, including visiting restrooms.

• At the conclusion of the show, please drive slowly and follow all directions. Event staff will be onsite to facilitate exiting.

Code of Conduct:

All guests are expected to adhere to CDC and New York guidelines in relation to social distancing while attending drive-in events.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Frequently Asked Questions:

~ Can I leave my car running?

It is requested that all cars remain turned off during the show. Feel free to put your car in Accessory Mode to listen to the FM transmission. Cars may be turned on periodically to prevent battery drain.

~ Can I watch the show from outside my car? If so, are chairs and blankets permitted?

You will be allowed to watch the show from outside your vehicle, but must stay in your demarcated parking space. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Please maintain all social distancing requirements if going to the restrooms. Please use common courtesy to others around you.

~ How do I listen to the show?

All audio for the concert will be disseminated via FM transmitter. Please make sure to arrive with a working FM radio in your vehicle or you will not be able to listen to the event.

~ My car stereo is broken. Can I bring a boombox or portable stereo?

Yes. Portable boomboxes and stereos are permissible for vehicles without a functional car stereo, please be respectful of the volume and those around you.

~ Can I buy tickets on the day of the concert?

Yes, you can buy tickets as long as we have not sold out. Tickets must be purchased online. There will not be a box office onsite day of show.

~ How do I scan my ticket?

At the designated entrance, please hold your physical or mobile ticket (phone) against the rolled-up window of your vehicle so staff can check you in.

~ Are parking spaces assigned?

No. All spots are first-come-first-serve. Staff will direct you where to park upon arrival.

~ What kind of vehicles are permitted?

Personal two axle vehicles that fit into a standard parking space are allowed. Larger trucks and SUVS may be directed to the back of the lot so as to not block the sight lines of other concert- goers. The following vehicles will NOT be permitted: RVs, campers, buses, trailers, etc.

~ Are motorcycles permitted? Are non-motorized vehicle (e.g. a bicycle) permitted?

No.

~ Can I leave the hatchback of my wagon/SUV open?

Hatchbacks may be open but must be kept no higher than the top of the vehicle to prevent blocking the view of those behind you.

~ Is tailgating permitted?

Sitting on a tailgate or in the bed of a truck is acceptable during the show, however, traditional tailgating will not be permitted (yard games, grills, generators, etc.).

~ Can I bring my own food and/or will concessions be available?

Food will be available, but must be pre-ordered and picked up at check-in. You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please do not leave trash on-site.

~ Can I bring alcohol to the event?

Outside alcohol is not permitted. Alcohol will not be available for purchase at the event.

~ Will restrooms be available?

Yes. Please follow all social distancing restrictions and instructions when leaving your designated parking area to use the restroom.

~ Can I smoke at the show?

Smoking is not permitted.

~ Can we come and go from the event?

Once your vehicle is parked in its space, barring an emergency, please remain parked until the show has ended.

~ Are pets allowed?

Pets are not permitted.

~ Will merchandise be available for purchase?

Not at this time.

~ What do we do with our trash and recycling?

To limit contact, please adhere to a ‘pack in, pack out’ approach and take your trash/recycling with you to dispose of at home. This is a private property that has been generously lent to WKC – please be courteous and leave no trace.

~ What happens if it rains?

This event is rain or shine.

~ What items are prohibited?

Weapons, fireworks, laser pointers, drones, tents/tarps, flags and/or accessories that may block the vision of other attendees are not permitted.

~ What if I need assistance during the event?

If it’s an emergency, please dial 911. There will be staff onsite if you need help that’s non- emergency.

~ What measures are being taken to ensure that social distancing guidelines are being safely practiced?

Please see our Code of Conduct for specific guidelines and protocols.