On the green, smooth lawn of a golf course, two men are sat on their stools. One of them has a Takamine guitar on his lap. The mellow sound of string instruments and the harmoniously blended voices ring out from a speaker by the lake. Though 30 years have passed since their debut, hardly any band can quite capture an audience like 80s heartthrobs Byrd and Heart.
Kullaphong "Byrd" Bunnag and Suthipong "Heart" Tadpitakkul -- commonly referred to as Byrd and Heart -- have been on the Thai pop scene since 1985 when they released their first album.
The two recently held their 30th anniversary concert "30 Years Byrd & Heart: Sometimes But Always" in September. The concert was sold out.
And fans don't need to wait long for the duo's next performance: Byrd and Heart will host lifestyle festival Winter Breeze 2015 on Dec 6 in Khao Yai, featuring music, art, fashion, wine and dining. The highlight is the duo's acoustic performance, as well as shows from their musical friends such as Roberto, Pun Paibulkiat, Namm Ronnadet and Wan Thanakrit.
At the media launch at Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in Khao Yai -- the festival's designated venue -- a light, early cool season breeze carried Byrd and Heart's harmonious vocals across the lake. Heart was playing his guitar. The mauve sky served as the backdrop. His fingers were light on the fretboard. Soon, Byrd came back to join him with a glass of iced water -- which he would soon trade for red wine as the night got colder.
Strings of their classic hits were played. Among fans' favourites were Leum (Forget) and Fon (Rain). Byrd and Heart also performed an acoustic rendition of hits by The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, as well as Thai legend The Impossible. Though their hair maybe greying, their musical prowess is still second to none.
Byrd recounted the anniversary concert held at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani back in September. The duo are veterans of big concert halls, but they have found the experience somewhat lacking. They couldn't interact with the audience as much as they are accustomed to doing.
"We want to have an opportunity to walk around, sing with our audience wherever they sit and play what they want to hear. At Winter Breeze, that's what we'll get to do," said Byrd. "I want everyone to feel a friendly atmosphere that they can't get anywhere else."
The concert with the most special atmosphere, according to Byrd, was a performance by Simon and Garfunkel as they played live at New York's Central Park in 1981. The audience came to feast on the music amid beautiful scenery. Byrd said he and his partner will now get to fulfil their dreams of playing with similar outdoor ambience.
"Music is just one aspect of it," said Byrd. "The charm in an outdoor performance is the atmosphere. To feast on or experience something together, you need great surroundings. Grand concert venues create this with lighting and giant LED screens.
"Audience members sing in the dark, looking at just one spot on the stage. But for an outdoor concert, you get to breathe everything in. You're not just in a room, but rather on an open lawn. You can feel the grass under your feet.
"Besides, where else could you find a concert held on a golf course?"
Winter Breeze will be held during a long weekend in December. And the duo are hoping people will bring their families to enjoy the evening together. Entry is free for children under 15.
"It's an exclusive festival. We're not looking for an overbearing crowd -- from 1,000-2,000 people. We'll watch the sunset. We'll have a picnic and sit around on the lawn, listening to great acoustic numbers together," said event organiser Ponlawat Sookcharus, chairman of AV Projects.
Aside from the music, festival goers can also enjoy al fresco dining by Sava Dining, The Never Ending Summer and Texas Steak by Ford, just to name a few.
"We have great food to offer. The music may be bland but, at least, you'll have fun with our talk show," joked Heart. Their act has always been famous for its entertaining talk and friendly jokes.
For the duo's diehard fans, there will be "Byrd And Heart House" – an exclusive area where fans can meet-and-greet Byrd and Heart.
Fashion shopping and low-carbon art installations are also another of the event's highlights. Fashion guru Polpat Asavaprapha of Asava, and renowned architect Duangrit Bunnag, were chosen to bring flair and taste to the event.
Partial proceeds from the selling of food, beverages and products will be donated to Agri-Nature Foundation, which supports Thai farmers as they ease into organic farming. The foundation promotes the use of technology and local wisdom for chemical-free agricultural practice.
Winter Breeze 2015 will be held on Dec 6, from 4-11.30pm. Regular tickets cost 1,500 baht; family tickets are 1,200 baht. All-in tickets with designated seats and a food/beverages coupon is 3,000 baht. Entry is free for children below the age of 15. Visit www.thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3456.
