The Search For A Backyard

The other week we began search for a backyard awesome enough to contain a world of music.
Like last year, the 2011 Inland Sea of Sound has two concerts in two local backyards.
Locals handed in their expressions of interest forms and come application closing day, BMEC manager Stephen Champion, Artistic Director of the festival Aaron Hopper and myself set out on the sunny afternoon to inspect the candidates and make a difficult choice.

After some mild trekking around we had managed to narrow the pool down to three choices, two medium sized, hills hoisted, stock standard aussie backyards and one with a bit of a different style.

The one at the end of Russell st had a nice downhill slope for that nice layered audience feel, and a pre made slab suitable for a stage.

There was also one in Morrisset st which was slightly smaller than the Russell st backyard but did have some nice aesthetic touches such as little colourful lanterns and a cute water feature. There was also a handy rear entrance from Rankin street which we thought could prove useful.

Finally there was the special one. Miss Trails House, which I hadn’t been to since I was a kid at a Carols by Candlelight evening. I had forgotten how big it was.
Right out the back there is a massive block of land suitable for a large mob with extra space for picnic blankets and kids to run around.
We all decided then and there that it would have to be one of the chosen ones.
There is a great spot for a stage right in the centre with the beautiful backdrop of the heritage building behind it and a clear view for the audience from all angles.

We decided that we would go with Miss Trails House and have one really big open concert and one small intimate one. We figured that this also solves one of the major issues from last year where we had to turn so many people away because there just wasn’t the space.
After much debate we are leaning toward the Morrisset St house as we thought it provided a little more atmospheric vibe that fits into the intimate feel we are going for but we will have to see what happens.
You can check out the places on the video below.

The festival itself is really starting to take shape. We have site maps and things planned out and it is getting close real quick. We still need to find a few volunteers to help with stage managing, band managing promotion etc so if that sounds like some experience you would like to have under your belt please contact us on 63336161 or leave a comment on facebook.

Personally I am really looking forward to Lolo Lovina, the gypsy band. I have been checking them out a bit on youtube and I really like the gypsy vibe. Also I love world film so I’m looking forward to the film night where you will be able to come and go as you please and chat and have a few drinks during the screenings.