In a beachside village in the Western Suburbs next to Port Adelaide, there's a music festival staged every year that has something special for every music lover. The Semaphore Music Festival, held on the October Labour Day Long Weekend has long been recognized for the high quality of its music acts, whether they're performed by young, emerging artists or recognized professionals.
The four-day event,a valuable opportunity for original singers and songwriters, has developed its own unique culture and personality. The festival features everything from rock 'n roll high school bands, alt. country music, blues and indie rock staged in various venues like the Semaphore Workers' Club, Palais Hotel, Semaphore Hotel, Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL and the Exeter Hotel.
Aside from the musical performances, the Semaphore Music Festival holds master classes, workshops, forums and panel discussions featuring recognized artists eager to share their knowledge and talent with up-and-coming musicians and music fans. Musical instruments are given their due with a Music Instrument Makers' Exhibition and a Luthiers' Panel. The audience and artists are given the chance to familiarize themselves with the various kinds of instruments through sessions and workshops with groups like the Adelaide Ukelele Appreciation Society.
To make the occasion a really long weekend of fun, a variety of food is served in cafes, pubs and fine dining restaurants on the Esplanade and Semaphore Road, as well as in stalls on the Foreshore Reserve. The stalls also sell a wide range of merchandise so you can squeeze some shopping in between free gigs and workshops, CD launches and the concerts.
The September 30 – October 3 festival will feature the Australian roots music of Broderick Smith and Matt Walker, the wide-ranging sounds of The Yearlings, singer-songwriter Sara Tindley and Tamworth Songwriters' Award winner Melody Feder. Also lined up to perform at the Semaphore Music Festival are Danny Hooper, the John Baker Suite quartet, The Torinos blues band, The Rustlers, the Adelaide trio Brillig, JoE mAn MuRpHy band, Heather Fran Trio, The Fiddle Chicks, Don Morrison, bluebilly band Prawnhead and many more.
A special of the festival is the Semaphore Songs Project. Artists Heather Frahn, Don Morrison, Soursob Bob, Mick Kidd, John Baker, Emily Davis, Matt Swayne & Elizabeth Reid, Cal Williams Jr., Melody Feder and Glenn Skuthorpe will write songs based on memories about this part of South Australia.
Viewed from any angle, the Semaphore Music Festival is poised to live up to its reputation as one of Australia's most popular music festivals.
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