This October long weekend, the Semaphore Music Festival, a beloved alt-country, blues, and roots event, celebrates its 20th anniversary after navigating significant challenges over the years.
Launched in 2005 as a free community event alongside the International Kite Festival on the Semaphore Foreshore Reserve, the festival originally featured bands at a few local venues during the Anzac Day long weekend. Over time, the need for sustainability led to changes, including a shift to the October long weekend, the expansion of venues, and the introduction of entry fees.
A significant hurdle occurred in 2016 when severe storms forced the festival indoors to Hart Mill’s Flour Shed in Port Adelaide. Founder and director Deb Thorsen, who has led the festival since its inception, acknowledges the difficulties of maintaining its momentum.
“It has been challenging at times because the SMF is more a community arts development/cultural event rather than a commercial model,” Thorsen explains. “Starting as a free event made it tough to ask attendees to pay, as some locals resent the idea of a ticketed event on the Foreshore Reserve, despite its not-for-profit status benefiting local businesses and promoting community well-being.”
From its humble beginnings with just a dozen bands in four venues, the festival has grown significantly, featuring 37 acts across 10 venues this year.
The 2024 Semaphore Music Festival, scheduled from October 4-7, will be headlined by the iconic Adelaide band The Audreys, who performed at the very first festival. Lead singer Taasha Coates recalls their early days, including debuting the song “Oh Honey.”
Despite the tragic loss of guitarist and founding member Tristan Goodall in 2022, The Audreys remain active, having recently released a new album, Ruin & Repair, produced by Ryan Martin John. Many songs on the album pay tribute to Goodall’s legacy and will be performed at the festival.
“The album has a lot of songs about Tristan, so it was an emotional record to create,” Coates shares. “I’m glad I made it, but I’m also relieved it’s finished.”
Coates will be joined by Tom Kneebone on guitar, Flik Freeman on bass, and Beej Barker on drums. Other performers at this year’s festival include Bunna Lawrie & Coloured Stone, Lachy Doley Group, Dusty Lee’s Blues Jam, and many more.
Thorsen notes the importance of a dedicated team in sustaining the festival, highlighting the volunteer contributions from family and friends, as well as consistent support from the Semaphore Workers Club.
Memorable moments from past festivals include performances by Broderick Smith, Dave Graney and the Coral Snakes, and Archie Roach, each contributing to the festival’s rich history. Though attendance has declined since the COVID pandemic, Thorsen remains committed to rebuilding the festival’s presence in the community.
“This festival is crucial for bringing people together and celebrating our culture,” she emphasizes. “It has provided a platform for both First Nations and non-Indigenous artists, fostering inclusivity in our community.”
Looking ahead, Thorsen plans to take a gap year in 2025, acknowledging her approaching retirement. “It would be great if someone else could step into the organizer role. I need to consider a succession plan,” she concludes.
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