Floating Melodies
“I hope I don’t chicken out!”, says Emma Knights, organiser and pianist.
We hope you don’t either Emma, as this event sounds absolutely amazing!
Sam About Town quizzed Emma on what she’s fearful of….and found out more about this truly special and once in a lifetime experience.
SAT: Floating Melodies is taking to the skies in a hot air balloon this Valentine’s Day. How fabulous! Could you tell us more about the event?
EK: I have been looking at options for expanding Floating Melodies for a few years but had never really followed up on it. Last year I was made to look at other opportunities and I thought, well, this is the time! So, we meet before sunrise and after a debrief and watching the balloon inflate we take off into the sky across the Barossa Valley. While the sun rises, the alluring voice of Briggitte Renie will ignite any spark of passion and love. Whether you have been together for 30 minutes or 30 years this floating event is just for you. When we land you are treated to a Barossa Valley Breakfast. On the ground while you enjoy the local produce and wines you will again be treated to songs of love with Brigitte Renie and Emma Knights.
SAT: Who is this event aimed at?
EK: We welcome all couples on Valentines Day and we also welcome you if you wish to come with your best mate or your mum/dad or your siblings! Love will be in the air in all its forms!
SAT: It must be so peaceful in the air and so quiet. What effect will this have on the music?
EK: It is so very peaceful…except when air needs heating in the balloon! The music will suit the relaxing feel and the once-in-a-lifetime views and will add a hint of spice or flame throughout the flight, making the experience all the more memorable.
SAT: As well as organising this experience, you are also playing the piano. You’ll have to let us in on a little secret…are you scared of heights?
EK: Um…I dunno yet – I am afraid of falling from heights! I do love flying so I think this will be very exciting but I am a little bit scared and I hope I do not chicken out!
SAT: What sort of challenges do you anticipate for playing the piano up that high, in a small space and on an unstable, floaty foundation….sounds like a piece of cake!
EK: Haha! Yeah, I like to play in weird spaces! It will just be a very small melodica which will make the biggest challenge not to drop it! I also may get distracted by the views!
SAT: This really does sounds magical and special. How did you come up with the idea?
EK: I do love using my imagination and doing fun exciting new things. I already had Floating Melodies on boats and I was toying with an idea on planes…then I thought well a hot air balloon definitely floats! It is an experience I have always wanted to try so I thought why not go up and entertain people in the process!
SAT: Floating Melodies has been running since 2013 and has been a recipient of several tourism awards and a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. What were the main differences between organising events floating on water, compared to floating on air?
EK: Nothing too much is different. Obviously, there are more questions insurance-wise and much earlier starting times to deal with. Many alarms will be set! Being in the air we had to be much more portable and with the normal Floating Melodies elements of local musicians, produce and beverages, we had to look at how it would all work and what would go where and when. We want the experience to be truly unique and memorable so it was important to get all the elements right!
SAT: Could you tell us a bit about your partner in this fantastic event, Barossa Balloon Adventures?
EK: Barossa Balloon Adventures have been ballooning in the Barossa Valley for over 30 years only 75km from Adelaide, South Australia. Barossa Balloon Adventures have such passion for hot air ballooning over the Barossa Valley and have been operating since 1986. Their pilot, Justin, is funny, charming and very experienced. His whole flying career has been flying in the Barossa region. Their reputation for professionalism, excellence and above all, safety are at the heart of their operation. Barossa Balloon Adventures are also in the Hall of Fame for TripAdvisor so it is a great partnership. Your safety and enjoyment is the priority of both Barossa Balloon Adventures and Floating Melodies.
SAT: What are you looking forward to the most about this unique and fabulous event?
EK: Performing with Brigitte! She is a truly lovely performer to work with and her voice is divine! I am also enjoying working with Justin from Barossa Balloon Adventures – he has been wonderful…but apart from that and the balloon ride itself I am looking forward to the Barossa Valley bacon that comes with the breakfast!
Tickets can be purchased here
https://floatingmelodies.com/event/hot-air-balloon/?fbclid=IwAR1MWEpN44SzUTtZuOlHfCtJgyXKRgSQWiuq0G8lacH7YvotwMGGta-odgk
Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1986748348022822/
More information about Floating Melodies and Emma Knights Productions here
https://floatingmelodies.com/
