Turning up at a quiet house in the suburbs for a live music event might make you feel as though you could be in the wrong place. But a pretty little sign by the entrance invites you to walk through the front door to the most beautifully decorated back garden. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees, candles flicker on the walls, a white wicker chair swing hangs in a cozy corner, and sun-faded Turkish rugs adorn the decking where assorted kinds of seating await. Musicians are milling around, checking equipment and tuning, as friendly faces smile and welcome you in.
This is a really unique event. Bree O’Sullivan who has been running Backyard Events for a year now, explains that this is actually her own backyard. Events take place in different homes across Perth, but since this is where it all started, she thought it might be fitting to go full circle and take the event back to it’s roots to celebrate its first birthday. Backyard Events was born over late night discussions about the important things in life and these events bring music, friendship and a sense of community home to live music fans.
The doors were open at a respectable 6pm as people filled in to the garden, laying out picnics and cracking open beers, before the music started. The performers chatted, joked and shared some incredible original compositions, as well as crowd-pleasing covers, to create an ambient atmosphere, genuinely intimate connection and a laid-back vibe.
We had the pleasure of listening to two different acts over the course of this relaxing evening under the stars. Michael Dunstan was up first. Confessing to being very nervous, he chose to give a little personal insight into each song, weaving in a few jokes for added value. his nerves were unnecessary as the dreamy, acoustic guitar-filled songs captivated the audience. Reminiscent of Kym Churchill and John Butler Trio, his songs ‘Single Cloud’ and ‘Shutter’ showed an impressive depth of composition and a mature and relevant narrative, made even more powerful with his heartfelt delivery.
Local couple Laura and Bevan were up next, performing as Winter Corner. They played a mixture of spine tingling numbers from their recent EP, including ‘For You’ and ‘Father’s Eyes’ before rounding out the set with numbers such as ‘Who Knows Who Cares’ by Local Natives and ‘Sentimental and Monday’ by Holy Holy. Their fresh take on these covers, adding their own signature sound, was impressive, whilst their endearing conversation with the crowd gave the evening an engaging, intimate, light-hearted feel that is often hard to come by.
Entertainers