The Backyard’s natural Hill Country setting among trees and hills and the wide-open air enticed a legion of music lovers to the outdoor amphitheater.

Nestled among 400-year-old oak trees and host to David Bowie, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and other esteemed performers, it was a one-of-a-kind venue.
In October 2008, the Backyard closed its doors after 15 years of shows, but venue management company Direct Events owner-president Tim O’Connor said both musicians and fans have been part of the driving force to bring back the feel and look of the previous incarnation to the planned The Backyard at Bee Cave, which is scheduled to open in spring 2010 at Texas 71 and RR 620, south of the future Bee Cave Parkway extension.
“We were pretty successful with the original Backyard. We hope to take the great aspects of this venue and at least try to match them [to the previous Backyard],” O’Connor said. “We want this to be a place where music is shared in a Hill Country environment with as few restrictions as possible so there is more freedom and an exchange between the artist and fan while still providing all the creature comforts necessary for everyone’s enjoyment.”
The $12 million project will rest on 44 acres, seat 7,500-8,000 people and offer more than 2,500 parking spaces. Direct Events Marketing Director Kylee O’Neil said parking fees would be included in admission costs.
The historic oak trees will stay at the original Backyard’s location, but O’Connor promises a familiar, open-air environment that includes a different set of trees.
Planners are touting the site’s green features that include permeable but sturdy green pavers that will cover and protect the parking lot grounds while allowing grass to grow.
Other plans call for using solar energy to power the artist’s compound and other areas, running stormwater through biofiltration units, adding electric vehicle plug-ins, retrofitting diesel-powered equipment for biofuel consumption and researching wind power.
A scholarship program with the University of Texas has produced cutting-edge ideas for implementing environmental technology wherever possible and minimizing use of concrete.
“The entire spirit of the project was to keep it as green as possible,” said John Jansing of engineering firm Gray, Jansing & Associates Inc. who worked on the facility’s Green Team.
Before The Backyard at Bee Cave’s starts hosting concerts, it will host a tree planting ceremony for 400 saplings that were given out to audience members at The Backyard’s last show.
Recently, Direct Events relocated an 80,000-pound, 75-year-old oak tree that was on the edge of the new property to avoid its demolition.
O’Connor said he has noticed that the trees at his amphitheaters seem to be music lovers, too.
“I know people will say I’m crazy, but those trees have really grown and enjoy the music. There’s a symbiotic relationship between music and the Earth,” he said.
The Backyard at Bee Cave will debut with A First Look concert featuring local and regional talent on May 1 to familiarize fans with its location, O’Connor said.
If that concert goes off without a hitch, he and his staff won’t have much time to rest on their laurels.
Just a few days later, they will play to host the Gipsy Kings on May 6, and music lovers are anticipating the return of Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic on July 4.
“As at most of Willie’s shows, there will be a prolificacy of talent,” O’Connor said.
He told City Council members at their Dec. 8 meeting that the venue would host eight to 24 events each year.
Earlier this month, VIP season tickets for 2010 and 2011 went on sale that include a private entrance, premium parking and access to the Talking Terrace, an exclusive indoor social club with a private bar and restrooms.
The Backyard will feature three VIP decks all with preferred viewing, but seats in the deck closest to the stage are going quickly, O’Neill said.
The Backyard at Bee Cave would not be possible, he said, without the support of fans and the City of Bee Cave, its partner in a revenue-sharing agreement for online ticket sales.
“The city from Day One joined hands with us. We had our challenges and differences of opinion, but it’s been a great experience working with them,” O’Connor said.
Bee Cave Mayor Caroline Murphy said concerts would boost the city’s economy by attracting more visitors who frequently dine and shop nearby before attending the shows.
“We definitely are excited about The Backyard staying in Bee Cave because it has been a very positive economic entity for us,” Murphy said.