If you've got plans for the October long weekend cancel them and head down to Port Adelaide instead for Semaphore Music Festival.
The picturesque Semaphore Foreshore becomes a bustling hub of local and interstate music for one glorious, long weekend in what's become a tradition for the region since the first event was held in 2005.
“When the festival was first established it was billed as an original, alt. country, roots and blues festival and it hasn't really deviated too far from that,” Festival Director Debra Thorsen says.
“Adelaide at the moment is quite focussed on the vibrant CBD, whereas we've got other attractions down here at Semaphore."
“Last year we had a more eclectic approach with some electronic dance music bands applying. Over the years we've had pub rock and indie rock bands playing, so it's kind of an organic event that's been responsive to what's happening in the South Australian music scene at the time.”
Now in its thirteenth year, Semaphore Music Festival shines a bright spotlight on the diverse, musical talent South Australia consistently produces. Debra says over the years the blues and roots origins of the festival have proven to be its biggest success. “Really we could just talk about the first bands who played the first Semaphore Music Festival in 2005 and see where they are now.
"For example: The Yearlings, The Audreys, The Red Hot Poker Dots, The Fuelers. There's always been that rootsy, rockabilly thing going on with Semaphore that's a bit whacky, but cool for the initiated I think.”
The 2017 Semaphore Music Festival launches at the end of July with a special event at the Semaphore Workers Club featuring performances from a handful of notable next-level artists and bands including Hana Brenecki, Haystacks Calhoon and The Cowboys Of Love.
“I've got so much time for Hana Brenecki who is just a legend,” Debra says. “She's an amazing singer-songwriter, she has a gorgeous voice and I'm really looking forward to seeing her play on the main stage over the October long weekend.
"We've also got some really great surprises from interstate bands that are going to be playing but I can't announce them yet, so I'm biting my tongue. I'm dying to let you know but I can't,” she laughs.
As event organiser, Debra says Semaphore Music Festival works in tandem with the broader arts and cultural scene in Adelaide and gives people the chance to enjoy great music in a relaxed atmosphere within a stone's throw of the CBD. “We like to grow and attract new audiences, people that may not necessarily go to the traditional venues that are open on the weekend in the city,” she says.
“Adelaide at the moment is quite focussed on the vibrant CBD, whereas we've got other attractions down here at Semaphore.
“We have a diverse programme of events, people are going to get turned-on to new music that they may not have ever seen. Also there's this feeling of a bit of a love-fest in a way, everyone has a really nice time; they just sit down on their picnic blanket, they enjoy themselves and it's very relaxing in a picturesque environment.”
The Semaphore Music Festival launch takes place at Semaphore Workers Club (Adelaide) 30 July. The festival runs 29 September to 2 October, 2017.
