Crooners Supper Club forced to postpone drive-in concert series

Crooners Supper Club was set to use its unique location to offer an innovative concert experience, but the Lakeside Drive-In Concert Series had to be postponed due to the state’s stay-at-home order.

Announced on Wednesday, the 11-concert series was set to kick off on May 8 and run for 10 consecutive days in Crooners’ private parking lot. Concert-goers would’ve witnessed the performances within the confines of their vehicles. But the plan does not adequately comply with Gov. Walz’s executive order 20-48, announced on Thursday, extending the stay-at-home order in the State of Minnesota.

“We received notice that our series was in violation of the new stay-at-home order,” Crooners Music Director Andrew Walesch explained. “Unfortunately, with the executive order of Thursday, which expressly prohibits spectator events like concerts in its Outdoor Recreation Guidelines, we really have no choice here.”

The concerts, which are now off-sale are being rescheduled. In less than three days of going on sale, three of the 11 concerts had already sold out and all were at least three-fourths sold.  The concerts were planned to be performed on a festival-grade outdoor stage to audiences consisting of just under 80 vehicles. KBEM Jazz88 was planning to partner with Crooners to carry seven of the concerts for simulcast on the radio (88.5 FM), and online at jazz88.fm.

Crooners Supper Club is working closely with state representatives and the leaderships of Fridley and Anoka County to find a path to being able to offer these concerts as soon as possible. “We have a unique outdoor setting which we want to fully utilize,” says Crooners owner Mary M. Tjosvold, who owns Mary T. Inc., a health care line of businesses.  

“Also, our parking lot, with Moore Lake in the background, does not abut any other business or residence. We really feel uniquely qualified to provide a wholesome, safe and family-friendly concert experience.  All of this is meant to get our own business restarted, but also to meet the pent up demand of audiences and to get artists a chance to work.” The artists set to perform included The Peterson Family, and Debbie Duncan, who was scheduled to perform on Mother’s Day, May 10.  

“The excitement and enthusiasm this series generated in under three days is so high, we are crestfallen to have to delay,” Walesch added.  “But we also feel a responsibility to follow the guidance of the State and to avoid creating confusion about what the State is expecting of us.”

All concerts in the Lakeside Drive-In Series have been assigned provisional reschedule dates starting June 12.  “Of course we will do everything in our power to make sure these concerts take place,” says Walesch. “We know our patrons, and our artists are ready to make this happen… and also we are convinced the State wants this to happen as well, at the appropriate time.”

For more info, visit croonersloungemn.com.