After a successful opening year in 2012, Courtyard Music will return to the Clink Theatre Port Douglas in 2013.

The unique monthly event, where the Clink's outdoor deck creates an intimate amphitheatre for performers and the audience, showcases the talents of local and visiting musicians working in a broad array of genres.

Founder of Courtyard Music, Frank Frikker (pictured), said his focus was giving the community an opportunity to enjoy a concert experience without paying a fortune.

"We keep it affordable for people and we get about 60 to 80 people at a time...sitting outside with a drink in their hand, it has this amphitheatre atmosphere, and that's what they like.

"Here they (the artists) have a chance to do their own things, originals possibly, and if not, they'll do something special with covers, not just cover them.

"As the name allows we can go from folk to classic. Last year we had a harp player, and a wonderful act was two ukulele players from Kuranda, we didn't even know they existed - beautiful, beautiful stuff."

Another important aspect of Courtyard Music is all musicians are paid for their performance, as are support staff who help make the concert possible.

"I was fed up with artists always being asked to do it for free," Frank said.

"If we can get 60 to 80 people we firstly pay the main act, then the opening act, then the person who sets up the stage and the guy who sets up the lights.

"If we still have money left we donate it to the Clink so it can be used for building maintenance.

"It should be a win win situation for everybody. We spread the money amongst everybody."

Already artists have been booked from 2013's opening concert on Sunday May 5, right through until September. We'll bring you details of who's playing when closer to the dates.