„Drivers’ Inn“
Events
Arvid, Cato and Fredrik (from left to right) from Norway enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the good music at the “Drivers' Inn”.
When Ramona Nerra starts singing the uptempo segment of “Proud Mary”, there's no holding back Arvid. He jumps up from his bar table and starts dancing with abandon in front of the bright red stage. In the Mercedes-Benz “Drivers' Inn” in hall 14/15, such displays of high spirits are not only tolerated but expressly welcomed. By setting up this trucker's meeting point, Mercedes-Benz has deliberately created a place where visitors can come to relax from all their highly concentrated business and technical discussions.
Thousands of pretzels are laid on every day as a pick-me-up for the guests, and once a day the “Drivers' Inn” serves sausages and potato salad. Visitors are offered free beverages including water, soft drinks and beer. And it is here that guests can take a break and unwind in front of a lovingly designed backdrop with a platform stage in the centre.
Once every hour, the atmosphere in the “Drivers' Inn” kicks up a notch. That is when the “Voice of Germany” stars, Ramona Nerra and Tesirée Priti, appear on stage together with the charming presenter and singer Chris Brow. The trio performs excellent live versions of current smash hits and legendary country classics. Guests choose their favourite songs from a music menu and then things really get going: “Yeeeeeeeehaaa!” Whether it is “Seven Nation Army” or “Country Roads” – the singers not only strike the right note but also sing their way into their audience's hearts.
Along with their colleagues, Tobias and Marilene make sure that everything goes smoothly.
The Norwegian entrepreneurs Fredrik and Cato agree wholeheartedly. Although they preferred to stay sitting with their beer during their colleague Arvid's dance number, they had just as much fun. “We were at the previous IAA. And just like last time, the `Driver’s Inn´ is a real asset to the trade fair,” says Fredrik.
Apart from barkeepers and wait staff who are kept busy serving visitors at the packed tables, Tobias and Marilene are responsible for ensuring that the guests are satisfied. Even in the cosy, subdued lighting of the “Drivers' Inn”, they are easily recognizable in their red checked shirts. “Visitors can come here to relax between trade fair appointments and just have a chat over a beer or a Coke. It's good for the overall atmosphere. Everyone here is in high spirits and that's why we really enjoying being here,” says Tobias.
Die „Voice of Germany“-Talente Tesirée Priti und Ramona Nerra mischen zusammen mit Chris Brow das „Drivers’ Inn“ auf. RoadStars traf das dynamische Trio hinter den Kulissen zum Interview.
When you suddenly hear people clapping, singing along and dancing to country music at the 2014 IAA, then it is more than likely that Tesirée Priti and Ramona Nerra are up on stage together with Chris Brow. The two female singers became well-known through the TV show “Voice of Germany”. Now they appear on stage once every hour at the 2014 IAA Commercial Vehicles trade fair in the Mercedes-Benz “Drivers' Inn” in hall 14/15 together with the singer and presenter Chris Brow. The highlight of the show is when guests at the “Drivers' Inn” pick out song requests for the trio to perform. In an interview with RoadStars, the singers talk about country music, the Future Truck and what makes audiences at the IAA so special.
Hall 14/15 is filled to the brim with the latest in technology, with bright lights and polished cars. How does that fit in with the almost rustic and earthy trucker's saloon “Drivers' Inn”?
Chris (laughs): Actually, it goes together extremely well. Trucks and country music – it doesn't get much better than that. Especially when you see the audience clapping and dancing in front of the stage and really getting into the spirit.
Is this a different kind of audience than the one you're used to?
Chris: It is slightly different. After all, people don't come to the IAA to listen to music or to dance but to look at the vehicles on display. And most of them don't really expect to suddenly hear “Hit the Road Jack” being sung live on stage at the “Drivers' Inn”.
Ramona: But it's quite an exciting moment when the audience's initial surprise turns into a positive reaction.
Tesirée: It's great fun. The people are nice, they listen and really join in. It's just what an artist would wish for.
You harmonize well on stage. How long have you been rehearsing together?
Chris: We've actually been performing as a trio for years. But this Cowboy Western Show was put together specially by Mercedes-Benz for our gig here at the “Drivers' Inn”.
You do provide an extra boost to the atmosphere here. Was it like that from the word go? Or did you have to break the ice first before performing so well?
Ramona: No, but that's what makes it so exciting. We have to give it our all every time to win the audiences over. And when we see people staying and even more flocking through the doors, then we know that it's working.
Are the songs that the guests get to choose à la carte as it were already a part of your repertoire?
Chris: Yes and no. Of course we've all sung the classics and the smash hits but what's new about this performance is that some of the songs have been remixed to give them a Western feel. That's what makes it enormous fun for us. And if you know how, you can even give a hip-hop song a country vibe.
Who's responsible for the background music to your live singing?
Tesirée: Our DJ, N-Sure, compiled the music specially for our performance here at the “Drivers' Inn”.
Just like at last year's IAA, you're singing in front of truck fans and truck experts. Have you developed an affinity for the trucks on display outside the “Drivers' Inn”?
Ramona: Last time we had the chance to drive in the new Actros on the outside course. Being able to experience at first-hand how much sophisticated technology goes into the braking system, for example was really impressive.
Chris: I find the backdrop with all these vehicles absolutely spectacular. Above all, I really want to climb aboard the Future Truck – I'm fascinated by the concept of autonomous driving.
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