Drive-in movies were once a summertime favorite and are now making a return amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But what about a drive-in concert?

Jersey Shore rock icon Southside Johnny will lead off a drive-in concert at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theater.

CEO Adam Phillipson says that up to 1,000 vehicles can fit in the grandstand parking lot at Monmouth Park where the theater is holding the concert to raise money to pay for its bills. Count Basie Theater has been closed for three months because of the Pandemic.

“We have not earned a dollar since March 12, but it also is a step, I think, in getting people moving toward this feeling of, ‘Hey, let’s consume the arts together,” says Phillipson.

Southside Johnny will perform on July 11, followed the next night by comedian Jim Gaffigan. Attendees must remain in their cars, which will be spaced out for social distancing.

Morristown’s Mayor Performing Arts Center will hold a similar event. A fundraiser drive-in concert will be held on June 25 at Fosterfields Farm by rock keyboardist John Ginty.

“I grew up in Morristown. I used to ride my bike to that theater to see movies. It was a movie theater, so I saw ‘Star Wars’ there,” Ginty says.

Mayo PAC CEO Allison Larena says that this event is needed to raise funds for the center.

“It’s an important theater. It’s certainly cherished by our community and we know that the community has railed around this theater in dark times in the past.

Ticket information for both events can be found on the Count Basie and Mayo PAC websites.