INTERVIEW: In The Know Experiences Co-Founder Seth Kaplan On The Hamptons “Safe & Sound” Benefit Concert Featuring The Chainsmokers And More

What is bound to be the most epic socially distanced Hamptons happening of the summer season will take place on Saturday, July 25. In The Know Experiences has joined forces with JAJA Tequila to co-host Safe & Sound – a special drive-in fundraiser concert headlined by Grammy Award-Winning duo The Chainsmokers, opener David Solomon (DJ D-Sol), singer-songwriter Matt White, and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. Southampton Village Mayor Jesse Warren will MC. Proceeds from the evening will support No Kid Hungry, Southampton Fresh Air Home and Children’s Medical Fund of New York.

Taking place at the 100-acre Nova’s Ark Project in Water Mill at 6:30 p.m., concert-goers will be able to watch the sets from the comfort of their own reserved parking zone.

We caught up with Seth Kaplan, In The Know Experiences Co-Founder, to learn more.

Why were No Kid Hungry, Southampton Fresh Air Home and Children’s Medical Fund of New York selected as beneficiaries?

SK: It was crucial for the DNA of the “Safe & Sound” concept, which is a drive-in fundraiser concert with live performances to bring communities together in safe and controlled ways, to support organizations that benefit the local community and beyond. Given that this fundraiser is in Water Mill, NY and The Chainsmokers got their start DJ’ing out East, we wanted to tap into charities that our performers such as David Solomon (DJ D-Sol), Matt White, and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman also had personal connections to. My business partner Lia (who also happens to be my wife!) and I are always looking to set the best examples possible for our two-year-old daughter, Ella. We feel very fortunate that we’re able to give back in such an impactful way by donating all profits from the evening to No Kid Hungry, Southampton Fresh Air Home and Children’s Medical Fund of New York – not to mention in a fun, celebratory way!

Between Grammy Award-Winning duo The Chainsmokers, opener David Solomon (DJ D-Sol), and singer-songwriter Matt White, “Safe & Sound” has quite the line-up. How did this drive-in benefit concert come to be?

SK: The Coronavirus crisis has taken a major toll on many families and individuals across the globe and we wanted to bring a new live event concept to life by giving communities a sense of celebration and closeness that they’ve been missing, in a safe and enjoyable way. We came up with the “Safe & Sound” fundraiser to be an intimate platform for artists to connect with fans in unique ways through sounds in a controlled and safe environment. Our goal is to eventually take this concept to other markets and spread the joy!

Why hold the inaugural “Safe & Sound” in the Hamptons?

SK: Ever since I could remember, I’ve always had a strong passion for travel and curating new experiences and after many brainstorms and sleepless nights, I felt there was no better location than 100-acres of greenery in Water Mill, NY to kick off the first of many drive-in fundraiser concerts, under the “Safe & Sound” umbrella. It also fit perfectly with The Chainsmokers, because after-all, the duo got their big start out East. It’s exciting to think that in just two short weeks, concertgoers will have the chance to partake in a new experience and enjoy a comfortable evening outdoors along-side their cars while listening to some great music with close friends and family – all for great causes.

How will the drive-in concert work?

SK: Following guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as all state and local health mandates, before ticket purchases are deemed final through purchase on Safeandsound2020.com/JAJA, guests are required to complete an online COVID-19 questionnaire. Upon event arrival, each individual in the car will be provided complimentary face masks and will have their temperatures taken by staff who are required to wear face masks and gloves for the duration of the evening. Once concertgoers park at their designated zone, they will have access to hand-sanitizing stations placed throughout the grounds, as well as the ability to use on-site restrooms which will be disinfected every 10 minutes. Designated parking zones are 6 feet apart to adhere to social distancing parameters. Designated drivers and responsible drinking is expected and will be enforced; signatures are required on the pre-event waiver.

Tell us a little bit about some of the curated experiences the evening will feature.

SK: Throughout the evening, there will be a variety of experiences and special packages available – a few of those are Heineken®’s innovative alcohol-free beer Heineken® 0.0, BrightFox Hydration beverages, premium canned cocktails by VIDE, specialty sunglasses by Zenni, MCT and protein coffee by Super Coffee, custom dinners by Sushi By Bou, Served Natural, burgers provided by Schweid & Sons, bagels + bites by The Original Goldberg’s Famous Bagels as well as a curated selection of luxury CBD products from New York based botanicals company oHHo.

Does In The Know Experiences have any other Hamptons events planned for the summer?

SK: My team and I at In The Know Experiences are in the process of bringing this concept to other markets such as Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Atlanta, and Park City. Stay tuned!

Tickets start at $225.

For more information, visit Safeandsound2020.com/JAJA.