Southington Drive-In Unveils New Twist: Music and a Movie

Those who stop by to see a movie at the this weekend are in for a special treat: A full accompaniment of brass instruments playing tunes prior to the feature.

Southington Brass will make their debut at the Southington Drive-In on Saturday, playing a 45 minute show under the pavilion, serenading patrons with a variety of tunes.

“The vision we had for the drive-in was that it was always more than movie. It already has the social component to it with the tailgating beforehand,” said Dawn Miceli. “This is another addition that just adds to the ambiance of the evening.”

Erik Semmel, a local resident who helped found the 16-member band after the idea was presented to him by Band Director Tim Johnson, approached Miceli with the idea at the start of the summer.

The band, which is made up of students and adults from throughout the community including Principal Martin Semmel, recently played the Rock Cats at New Britain Stadium and is looking to get more involved in the local community.

“Basically, Southington Brass is there to allow for us dads to join our kids instead of watch on sidelines,” Semmel said. “ It’s fun to watch but a whole lot more fun to play with them.”

The show will be free with the price of admission - $10 per car for Southington residents and $13 for out-of-town residents – and if the first performance goes well, Semmel said he would like to make it a regular occurrence during future seasons.

Learn more about Southington Brass at their website by clicking on the link or check them out on their Facebook page.

This version corrects previous pricing on cars. It is $13 per car for out-of-town vehicles.