Moonlite Drive-In Theatre & Venue and Virginia Highlands Festival Celebrate 75th
Anniversaries with Historic Headline Concert
For the first time in their storied histories, a headline artist concert took center stage at the Moonlite on Saturday night, marking a significant milestone for both institutions.
When the Moonlite Theatre opened in 1949, it was built with a unique feature – a stage
atop the projection booth. The innovative design allowed vehicles to park facing either the screen for movies or the projection booth for stage shows. Traditionally, the speakers on poles broadcasted the music, creating a nostalgic experience for attendees.
However, thanks to the cutting-edge technology provided by Express Audio Visual, this
original concept has been catapulted into the future. On Saturday night, the Moonlite
Theatre unveiled a Gen X Apex 42’x40’ covered stage capable of supporting 100,000
pounds. This state-of-the-art, million-dollar stage is one of only three in the world, setting the scene for an unforgettable performance.
The audio experience has also been revolutionized. Instead of the traditional pole-mounted speakers, the concert featured a sophisticated sound system with close to 200,000 watts of power. This ensured that the sound quality was as crisp and clear across the entire property as if you were wearing headphones. In fact, neighbors reported enjoying the concert from their porches, thrilled by the gift of a free show.
A Night to Remember
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for our very first concert
featuring the amazing Clint Black, along with Mason Ramsey, and Lance Stinson! It was
an unforgettable night, and we couldn't have done it without support from the community.
Clint Black is a country music legend with over three decades in the industry, known for
hits like "Killin Time" and "A Better Man." This was a stop on his 35th Anniversary of
Killin’ Time Tour. His presence brought a touch of stardom and nostalgia to the evening.
One of the highlights was when he played our special request, “Taillights,” which includes the lyrics “walkin’ in the moonlight” and featured a video of a huge full moon on the LED wall behind him. Mason Ramsey, the young yodeling sensation, delighted the crowd with his unique blend of traditional and contemporary country music. Lance Stinson added his own flair with his Southern rock influences, rounding out a night of diverse musical talents.
A special shoutout to our incredible attendees, generous sponsors, fantastic food truck
vendors, Deirdre Cole and her team of dedicated volunteers from the Virginia Highlands
Festival whose collaboration made this event possible, Crystal Dea and her team of
volunteer security, Fire Chief Chuck Harosky and Assistant Fire Chief Marty Lewis with
Washington County Fire Rescue #1 and their team of EMS and fire personnel who
volunteered to keep us safe. Your support made this event a huge success!
Despite the occasional rain during the day and the downpour right after the gates opened, the weather cleared up just in time for the show! Our parking team did a great job with parking on our property. The VFW and Blue Mountain on adjacent properties took donations for parking in their lots. We were so happy to help them with their fundraising efforts as well. Roger Roe of Roger’s Trucking generously donated the use of his lot next door, which was an easy walk to the ticket booth. Traffic flow was fantastic, and the lots were cleared out within 15-20 minutes of the end of the concert.
Looking Forward
While the night was a huge success and had a larger attendance than the Moonlite has seen in decades, we were unable to meet our fundraising goals. We will continue our fundraising efforts with events each month through December and will open for movies in April 2025.
As work progresses, we may be able to rent the venue for special events this fall/winter. If any individuals, small businesses, or corporations would like to join us in reviving this
iconic venue, we are looking for sponsors/advertisers for projection equipment, concession equipment, playground, and miniature golf to bring it back to its original glory.
We have already completed so much of the refurbishments and renovations including completely refurbishing the attraction board at the road, the screen tower (displaying a 7ft moon, “Moonlite Theatre,” and twinkling stars), the screen, and the apartment/office area below the screen tower. Most of the corrugated fencing surrounding the viewing field has been replaced, which is a unique feature of this drive-in. The concession stand is not complete but has been enlarged with the addition of brand-new bathrooms and a 70x16-foot deck for dining and special events. There is still work to be done but we anticipate this being a premiere venue, showing first-run movies, retro movies, and hosting many other types of public and private events.
List of Sponsors:
- A-1 Self Storage
- Artemis Consulting Services
- Bristol Bricks
- Brown Dental
- Carter Rental
- Circle A Canine
- Collective Aesthetics and Wellness
- Complete Plumbing Septic & Drain
- David Leland - Felty Insurance Agency
- Eastman Credit Union
- Elite Exterior Cleaning
- Farmers and Miners Bank
- Food Country USA
- Hampton Inn
- HBC, CPAs
- Highlands Ballet
- Brian Hullette at The Independence Group
- Jamie Barger - State Farm
- Lighthouse Supply Co
- Mariah Elizabeth Wolfe Marketing + Design
- Matt Smith Realty
- Powell Valley Bank
- Pro Sign & Crane
- Ramirez Contracting
- Rogers Trucking
- Sparkles Car Wash
- Sprout Consignment Shop
- South Holston Masonry
List of Food Truck Vendors:
- Chief’s Firehouse Mobile Kitchen
- Nacho Average Food Truck
- Patriotic Pitmaster BBQ
- Savory Spice Mama
- Shaked!
- Wetzel’s Pretzels
- Concession stand operated by 4 All American Cheerleaders from the area
- VHF/Moonlite Beer Garden staffed by Highlands Ballet parents