Preparing for Episode 2
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from making Song of Sunset, it’s this: when you follow the music, the story keeps unfolding.
What started as a short documentary about the magic that happens on Bend’s small stages during the golden hour is now evolving into something much bigger—a three-part documentary mini-series focused on the community, craft, and connection behind live music in Central Oregon.
Episode 1: “In My Day”
The first 15-minute episode is nearly complete, with post-production wrapping up as we prepare for our premiere this October at Volcanic Theatre Pub. This episode features performances and reflections from local singer-songwriters Erin Cole-Baker, Eric Leadbetter, and Joel Chadd—three artists who truly embody what it means to share music with presence and purpose.
But as I sifted through interview footage, sound checks, and candid conversations, it became clear that the story didn’t end when the credits rolled. In fact, we were just getting started.
The Expansion: More Voices, Deeper Perspectives
For Season One of the series, I’ll be adding new perspectives to paint a fuller picture of what makes Bend’s music culture so unique. These include:
The Fan – the ones who show up early, stay late, and help the unknowns feel seen.
The Booking Process – how musicians land gigs and what it’s like behind the curtain.
The Promoter – those working behind the scenes to connect artists with audiences.
Each episode will be about 15 minutes long—tight, intimate, and honest. The focus remains on the people who show up, night after night, to make these little moments of music matter.
Why This Matters
This project has always been about more than just the music. It’s about capturing the quiet resilience of community-supported art—the venues that take chances, the musicians who keep writing, and the fans who believe in the power of a live performance to change a day, or even a life.
And thanks to the energy around our upcoming premiere (and those of you who’ve helped make it possible), we’re not just closing the chapter on a short film—we’re opening a whole new season of stories.
So stay tuned. The sun may be setting, but Song of Sunset is just getting started.
—
Brian
Director, Song of Sunset
