In the Green Room: Semaphore Music Festival

Celebrating 20 years of championing Australia’s alt-country, blues and roots scene, the Semaphore Music Festival returns this October long weekend. Event organiser Deb Thorsen reveals what’s in store…

Congratulations on 20 years of the Semaphore Music Festival (SMF)! What should people expect?

We’re Adelaide’s original alt-country, roots and blues festival with a good slap of indie-rock, folk and punk. Anything goes – we don’t get too hung up on the genre. It’s a celebration of good times. I particularly like it when folks dress in their best cowboy gear!

The festival runs for four days. What sets are on your must-see list?

I love Lachy Doley right now – he just self-funded a tour of the USA. Stefan Hauk and Lachy are friends and have played with Deep Purple’s drummer! So, if you’re a blues rock fan, that’s one set not to miss. You also can’t go past Bunna Lawrie and Coloured Stone, who were recently inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame. And, The Audreys didn’t win three ARIA awards for no reason! However, my personal favourite is Nancy Bates. She’s graced the SMF stages since the beginning, even performing with Archie Roach in 2016.

What does Semaphore Music Festival bring to the community?

The SMF has shaped the identity of the community because it’s been actively promoting the area for 20 years. I grew up in the western suburbs, so I’m aware of our rock ‘n’ roll heart – it’s central to our cultural life. The SMF encourages creativity and social inclusion. We celebrate diversity. What started as a dozen bands playing in four venues has evolved into 75 bands playing at 13 sites over the October long weekend. I’ve got a feeling that it’s going to be a good year!

Semaphore Music Festival returns this October 4–7. Tickets on sale now via semaphoremusicfestival.com.