Brett Kissel brings live music back to Regina with drive-in shows

Brett Kissel brought live music back to Regina with three drive-in shows on Saturday.

Cars lined up throughout the parking lot at Evraz Place with his performance beamed into their stereo through an FM radio transmitter.

It was a welcome return-to-form for the country star.

“The saying ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ is the most true saying I can think of for a time like this. We’ve been cooped up for so long that to get an opportunity to be on the stage, travel, come out here to a city that loves country music as much as Regina does… it’s hard to put in words, because it’s so exciting,” Kissel said.

When he stumbled upon the idea for an innovative way to play a physically distanced show, he knew he had to get in on the action.

“Some of my friends had seen an artist do this in Europe. My buddy said ‘You know what? If anybody’s going to do something like this in Canada, it ought to be you,’” he explained.

They did have to get approval from the Saskatchewan Health Authority and work out all of the logistics, but he thinks it was well worth the effort.

One necessary measure was Plexiglas dividers in between Kissel and his band-mates. While he understands the precaution, it was still a bit of a disappointment.

“It certainly affects the chemistry… having all of us interact, it’s a big part of our show… In this age of physical distancing, we can’t do that… It’s definitely tricky, but it just goes to show the professionalism that my guys have, and how much fun we still have. We’re able to interact the best way that we can and still have a lot of our energy come through Plexiglas,” he said.

Tim Reid, the president and CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association, was heavily involved in the organization of the show. It’s the first event they’ve been able to bring to Evraz Place for quite some time, so he was very glad to see it.

“We’re getting back to the business we enjoy: bringing people together, giving them incredible memories… Today’s a bit different, but it’s a moment I think all of us will remember for the rest of our lives,” he said.

As for whether drive-in shows are the future of entertainment during the pandemic, he wasn’t yet sure.

“We may see this again, but it’s pretty difficult to pull off for such a small audience,” he explained.

The fan reaction was almost entirely positive.

Gord Meadows made the trip up from Swift Current just for the show.

“I think it’s better (than a traditional concert), I really do. We’ve got our own environment, and Brett Kissel is right there,” he said.

Matthew Doti didn’t think it was quite as good as a normal show, but he still had a good time.

“It’s unfortunate we can’t have it in a stadium, but being able to get everyone together… It’s really good to be able to get out of the house finally and enjoy some music… it’s an amazing time,” he said.

It was a special occasion for McKenna Thom. She was celebrating what would have been her graduation day.

“I didn’t think I was going to get to do anything, I just thought it would be a ‘stay-at-home’ kind of day… Thankfully, we were able to get tickets. I’m so happy to be able to do something, to get out and go to one of my favourite artists,” she said.

Proceeds from ticket sales went to the Regina Food Bank.

Kissel is bringing the show to Saskatoon next Saturday at Sasktel Centre.