After quenching concert-goers' thirst for "live" music throughout the pandemic, the Westland Mall Drive-In concert series will end with the Big Gigantic's outdoor performance Friday.

With plans to revive the series this summer after a string of successful showings last fall, promotional organization Prime Social Group has scrapped all future plans for upcoming performances.

PSG Spokeswoman Sheila Rossiter said the decision was made due to the lifting of COVID-19 guidelines, which made the return of traditional concerts more of a reality. At this point, she said the promotional group will realign its focus and go back to putting on in-person concerts and festivals.

"The drive-in was created to bring some live music back during the pandemic; It was the only way to have live music and to bring that to people," Rossiter said. "I think everyone prefers a normal festival or concert environment, rather than being in your spot per se."

Friday's outdoor showing will follow the previous format, with attendees relegated to specific "tailgating spaces" to promote a socially distanced crowd. But guests who are vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask, Rossiter said.

Organizers of the popular series, which had drawn complaints from area residents last fall, had addressed the issues.

Franklin Township Administrator Matt Potts said his office received around 20 complaints from residents of Westgate, Prairie Township and other surrounding areas.

Potts said he sent residents' grievances to Matt Brown, planning administrator of the Economic Development and Planning Department, so he and others were aware of the reported noise concerns.

"The Board of Zoning Appeals has a say on what the use of the property can be based on, which they base on what their zoning map says," Potts said. "And they were the ones who made the decision to allow it after the variance went through."

After hearing about the complaints, however, Rossiter said PSG held "sound studies" to determine appropriate noise levels for future events.

"They heard the concerns and they made additional modifications because they listen and want to be respectful of the neighborhood," Rossiter said.

To resume the concert series, PSG filed a new conditional use application in February and a public meeting was held in March.

Tyler Lowery, director of public affairs for the Board of Commissioners, said there was significant discussion during the meeting, with the Board of Zoning Adjustment's decision seeming to be centered on the past restrictions that prevented indoor entertainment.

With that, the approval was made under four conditions, including that events would be permitted only from 6 to 10 p.m.

But with the decision to forego any future events at the Westland Mall location, Rossiter said there will be a bevy of other events to look forward to in the coming months.

– The Columbus Dispatch

At a glance

Big Gigantic will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday (Fear & Lowe will open) at the Westland Mall Drive-in, West Broad Street and Georgesville Road. Tickets cost $139 for premium general admission.

Each pass allows entry for one vehicle and up to four passengers. For a fifth and sixth passenger, guests must purchase a single-person add-on ticket for $25. Front and VIP tickets range from $159 to 299.