The Lineup: Locals join album launch

Up until five years ago I have few memories of Hopetoun. It must have always been just that little bit far away to shoot across for a quick family getaway, but to be completely honest, it's not that far at all. On the music front Hopetoun now feels like a home away from home, Esperance locals and touring acts performing there are well supported and the local crowds are absolute legends, a cracking location all round.

Saturday February 22 sees the return of the Hopetoun Community Resource Centre and Visitor Centre Colour Run. The Colour Run itself is open to all and takes in a 5km walk or run beginning and finishing at McCulloch Park, entry is $25 and includes all the items necessary to get well covered in funky, chalky, powdery, colour. I've watched from the sidelines and it seems all involved have an epic time.

Though it's not all about the colour run, stalls, expos, food stalls and other kids' activities are on show and of course quality live music. Esperance locals Car Park Social head to Hopetoun performing in the park alongside Broome based musician Tanya Harper from 4-7pm. This family friendly event is BYO with attendees welcome to have a casual ale within the McCulloch Park boundaries. Well and truly worth a weekend away, and if you're looking for full details the event page can be found on Facebook.

At this point I'm not all that sure whether Michael Dunstan is an Esperance local or not, his every Esperance performance seems to ingrain him just a little further into the local culture/folklore. I do know for a fact that he spends a fair bit of time in my jam room with Joe, not offering to contribute to the power bill. But hey, you got to let some things slide.

The last five years for this lad have been massive, from the point where he realised he was an ok musician at his first gig in Esperance to casually being added to a cheeky Spotify Playlist here and there, songs cracking one million streams and then selling out the Indi Bar Perth to the point where I - in attendance - was close to a panic attack.

Up to this point Dunstan has rolled on solo, though this is all set to change, as he brings his debut album launch to the Cannery Arts Centre on Saturday February 29 backed up by Joe Franzone on drums and Pat Devlin on bass. Certainly, an evolution and with a whole album worth of tunes to throw down this should not be missed. Pat and myself will be playing a solo set and local legends Car Park Social will make their return to the local live scene. Willow Tree Catering are cooking up some tasty treats and the Cannery Bar will be all action.

Grab your tickets while you can at wwww.canneryartscentre.com.au.