The Grove is ready to groove, with a few restrictions
Daily Memphian
Abigail Warren
Opening of Germantown’s new outdoor venue isn’t quite the event Paul Chandler envisioned but still it’s the realization of a dream for the Germantown Performing Arts Center’s director.
The coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions that accompany social distancing limited initial visitors to 10, then 50 in sort of a soft opening for the $7.5 million venue.
“It’s allowed us to restart our relationship with patrons, subscribers and contributors, which is healthy,” Chandler said. “I’ve been doing big concerts for 26 years. I’d go back (to that) if I had a choice.”
The Grove has risen adjacent to GPAC’s main hall. The new venue is settled behind trees on the southeast corner of Germantown Road and Neshoba.
The Grove can host 1,200 when social distancing guidelines are lifted. Chandler noted they may initially hold several shows a day so people can enjoy GPAC’s acts while remaining safe.
“I truly see The Grove at GPAC being transformational and exceptional for future generations of Germantown residents,” Mayor Mike Palazzolo said.
Donors and the GPAC board were among those to get a first look at the finished project. Chandler noted a slightly “weird” feeling the project is finished due to the limitations in place.
“We are doing things cautiously and methodically,” he said. “We won’t be irresponsible (in opening).”
GPAC will begin experimenting with the public and working out any possible kinks. A lineup announcement is expected soon. Usually shows are planned five to 18 months in advance, but that timetable has changed.
Planning for the new venue began three years ago. COVID-19 was an unknown and not a concern, but many of the perks previously planned will help people remain cautious.
The bar can accommodate two bartenders working properly socially distanced. Wine, beer or even mixed drinks are available on tap, which Chandler noted is safer in today’s health climate than mixing beverages in a shaker.
The Grove will offer charcuterie boards, with food trucks available on the north side of the site. People may also bring food and drinks, but glass is not allowed.
Wire golf rings – 6 feet apart – sit on the grassy area, and families can reserve the spaces before events. Even the stage is large enough for bands members to perform proper distances apart. Stickers on the ground remind people to sit 6 feet apart and reminder videos will play before performances.
The first shows include local acts and some films on the 20- foot screen made by Daktronics. The company is responsible for many of the visuals in FedExForum and the halo display inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
“We will stay on mission showing performing arts and visual art content,” Chandler said, mentioning musicals, concert films or documentaries about musicians, painters and artists.
When GPAC’s indoor concert season is underway, the theater can use its remote controlled indoor cameras to simulcast a show to The Grove with the screen rolled to the front of the stage. GPAC is the third theater in the nation that will simulcast events from inside, according to Chandler.
The seating area is shaded by the trees surrounding and inside the venue. Additionally the sun sets behind the stage providing additional shade in the evening.
“Nestled and tucked away among trees and landscaping this amenity is inviting, yet secluded at the same time,” Palazzolo said in an email. “The Grove will anchor the artistic portion of our municipal block enabling residents to walk, bike, push strollers and make a short drive from any portion of the City to enjoy a multitude of performing arts from live outdoor performances to live-streamed indoor shows and prerecorded shows all in the comfort of nature.”
Pre-event entertainment can happen on the east patio near the entrance. On one side of the bar, people can view the city’s first public art piece, a tile walkway engraved with moths.
The site also has a VIP patio with a cedar ceiling that matches the fence on the perimeter. The patio’s brown trim also matches the stage and the bar.
In recent weeks, staff drove to nearby neighborhoods, testing the decibel level for different types of performances. Chandler said they are mindful of nearby residents.
While no strict curfew for performances is set, he doesn’t expect shows to last later than 10:15 p.m. Due to Memphis’ warm climate, he hopes shows run from March through December.
And there are other opportunities for the space. The Germantown Athletic Club has inquired about conducting yoga classes in The Grove.
Palazzolo is excited for residents to experience the venue.
“The Grove at GPAC uniquely positions our city to make the performing arts more inclusive and available to every stage of life in our community with particular emphasis on families and our youth,” the mayor said.
The Grove at GPAC is nestled beside Germantown Performing Arts Center. When social distancing restrictions are removed it will accommodate about 1,200 people. (Ziggy Mack/Daily Memphian)
