As more performing artists seek a way to reach an audience amid the COVID-19 lockdown, Kehlani performed at one California’s first drive-in concerts on Thursday night, sounded out by a K-array system – supplied by On-Stage Rentals.
Audi Presents: Summer Drive-In Concert, which was held in appreciation of Los Angeles’ frontline and essential workers, was the first time the R&B artist performed songs from her album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, which she released mid-shutdown on 8 May.
The 100-person crowd, including a handful of A-listers like Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, watched the show at Calamigos Ranch nestled in the hills of Malibu, California from vehicles that had been provided for the concert. The show was also an experiment in live music and larger events in the coronavirus era, with masks required and cars spaced six feet apart.
In what may become the new normal, upon arrival at the drive-in guests had their temperatures taken and were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Bags of hand sanitizer and Audi-branded masks were handed out to each attendee, along with a picnic basket of popcorn, pretzels, charcuterie, and beverages, including non-alcoholic mixed drinks Malibu Spritz and Agua Fresca. Blankets and folding chairs were also placed inside the cars for out-of-vehicle seating.
DJ Jasmine Solano performed on stage for two hours ahead of Kehlani’s set, also wearing a mask. For audio setup, rental company and long-term K-array partner, On-Stage Rentals supplied a Firenze-KH7 sound system. Total coverage was provided by 3 KH7 loudspeakers hung vertically per side plus 6 KS8 subwoofers in front of the stage.
Not only was Audi extremely happy with the setup, but Kehlani’s sound engineer was also very impressed with the clarity of the system.