The Beards are a bearded four-piece situated in Adelaide, whose? back catalogue consists entirely of songs about beards and having beards. Onstage, The Beards preach about the virtues of having a beard with near-militant intensity. The beardless members of the crowd may find themselves singled out and chastised for their lack of facial hair as The Beards sing crowd favourites like Growing a Beard, Beard Revolution and No Beard, No Good, while those with beards may be brought onstage as an example of what having a beard is all about. But as hilarious as this eccentric outfit are, they can be equally appreciated for their musical originality, instrumental ability and professionalism.

Check their website

Discovering a connection with the music from the "first women of country music", she and Christopher Naylor (Programming Executive, Adelaide Festival Centre), co-wrote the show Honky Tonk Angels, which features songs by Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty and Kenny Rogers and more. Honky Tonk Angels is fresh from it's sold out show in the Cabaret Fringe Festival and will be appearing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2010 and has plans to tour South Australia with both Honky Tonk Angels and Taking Goodbye, so keep an eye out and come along and support Amber Joy!

Amber Joy will be launching her new CD "Taking Goodbye" at the Semaphore Music Festival on the Semaphore Foreshore Sunday 4th October at 4pm

www.myspace.com/amberpoulton

The Kemp Brothers, 'Sean and Drew' grew up in the western suburbs of Adelaide and did what most teenagers do. Started a band. When that band ran its course, Sean and Drew put their voices together to create The Kemp Brothers, harmony lovin, soul strumm'in alternative goodness for all to enjoy. Sean and Drew's mum reckons they are 'pretty cool' but 'abit bloody loud' at times..

www.myspace.com/thekempbrothers

What seemed like a lifetime of dud gigs had finally taken its toll on Don Morrison. He slumped alone contemplating the shrivelled corpse of his legendary three piece band The Elmores and reflected on the comments of a booking agent who had said "No one can work an empty room like you, Don". In this darkest hour came inspiration. Suddenly the half empty glass became half full. (for a brief moment at least) Thunderbox Carbunckle and the Lonely Cosmonauts was conceived at that moment - let the band fill the room even if the punters didnt!

Michael Saies, the other Elmores survivor agreed to tote his upright bass one more time in the hope of earning some beer money.

Drummer Andy Przgonsky was the first addition. Andy must hold the world record for the number of bands he plays in. In Adelaide though, its not a problem - each band gets one gig per year leaving plenty of time for the Cosmonauts demanding schedule.

Phil Bray was once known as the worlds lonliest man, not so surprising considering he plays the accordion, but he has found his social salvation in this sublime sextet.

Commie Trash left his home in the strife torn troubled province somewhere in Eastern Europe after his family (White, Euro and Trailer) told him never to come back unless he bought wealth and fame with him. He's sticking to the Cosmonauts so it looks like Australia has him and his new found wealth for good.

John Dingo Van Bowman can play every song ever written and then some. While beer money is of no concern to him, the finger food that so often seems to be present at the Cosmonauts wilder gigs is enough incentive to see him remain tied to this troupe of travelling trubadors.

Check their website here or their MySpace site.

Creole cowboyZ were formed in early 2005, bringing together six experienced Adelaide musicians. The band's main musical genre has its roots in the Cajun, Creole and Zydeco sounds and strong dance beat of the French music of Southern Lou isiana. Also sprinkling the repertoire with Country Rock, Bluegrass and New Orleans Blues influenced numbers, the cowboyZ maintain their own rather unique blend of instruments, fun and on-stage energies, playing Cajun French Button Accordions, Frottoir (Frottwaah) also known as the Zydeco Rub-board, Piano accordion, Keyboard, Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo, Harp and even a Didgeridoo! The shared lead and harmony vocals of these multi-instrumentalists give a typical cowboyZ set a vast array of musical contrasts for dancin' and toe-tappin' enjoyment, and has lead to heavy bookings at local gigs and festivals well into 2009!

MySpace

Hot on the heels of her live album release, Jayne-Anne Power returns to the Semaphore Music Festival. Known for her powerhouse vocals, sophisticated song writing and funked-up soul, Jayne-Anne Power delivers a classic style with a modern edge. Backed by her 5 piece band, this ensemble combines gritty grooves and sexy stylings with Jayne-Anne's exquisite voice. At last year’s festival she played to a packed Semaphore Worker’s Club, so this year, rock up early!

Jayne-Anne's MySpace site

Austin Floyd are 4 guys from Melbourne who met in the usual way - the front bar of the local pub. Having discovered that they spent a bit of time together there on Saturday afternoons, and all having music in their veins, they figured there might be a more productive way of spending their Saturday afternoons. It soon became clear they'd need to give the project a little more time!

Formed in 2003, they've played over 400 shows all over the country, in the old school Australian tradition. 400 shows and no flights as yet - a lot of country miles. Playing a blend of country rock, they've adapted to all challenges that have faced them.

A debut album 'Month of Sundays' was released in 2005 (currently onto its second pressing), and January 2009 will see them releasing an EP of songs written on the road over this period.

Before then, they are rapt to be heading back over to Adelaide for the 6th time for perormances at The Semaphore Music Festival.

www.myspace.com/austinfloydband
www.austinfloyd.com

On Myspace

Straight from the heart and reminiscent of a smoky, French cafe. Guitarist & vocalist John Baker and accordionist Gayle Buckby create a seductive and potent world with compelling stories and lush instrumentation that carry the listener through elegant ballads, gypsy reggae and a lurching waltz in the rain at night. They’ll be joined by John Aue on double bass and BJ Barker on drums, and will be performing songs from their new brand new CD, ‘A quartet for car horns and brakes’, which was produced by Paul Grabowsky.

Over the past few years 'The Chicks' have attracted a growing number of followers, with overflowing venues and tremendous support for their CD releases.

Is it because of their wit and humour?(!) Or their different and unusual fiddle playing tricks? The diversity of musical styles they write and arrange? Their recent APRA award? The lack of guitars? Maybe it’s their talent and energy on stage? Most probably the nice hats have helped too! What do you think?!

"Great choice of material, wonderful arrangements and superb playing. It's the complete package.” Dave O'Neil, Artistic Director, National Folk Festival.

Soursob Bob is a singer and songwriter, and a recording artist. Bob will be releasing his sixth full length album in Oct 2009. Soursob Bob is an acoustic performer with latent rock tendencies. His songs feature storytelling , observation, and sometimes humour.

Website

Nancy Bates has been considered one of the most dynamic Indigenous performers to emerge out of South Australia for some time, her passion for music has been motivated in part due to her up bringing as an Aboriginal person raised on her home lands in far Western New South Wales, and a desire to write about her experiences.

Nancy being the daughter of a traditional Man from the Darling River area and having a European mother made for an interesting life to say the least.  Nancy has had to contend with all the issues around her mixed heritage, sometimes just surviving on a daily basis was a challenge.  She has witnessed injustice, felt rejection, and suffered hurt and despair for the one’s that she has loved.

From a very early age Nancy knew that survival would depend mainly on her own determination and the love of her siblings.  Nancy states that these experiences have made her stronger with an even greater love of her culture, without those events I would not have the richness in my life that I am now able to share with others

Her love for life is reflected in her music and passion to deliver; she once said quote that “the mold of who we are is forged in the fire of our own will” unquote and she is a living example of that belief.

It becomes apparent when you are entertained by Nancy that she has the ability to incorporate a wide variety of styles, i.e. Country, Rock/Blues, and Jazz giving her the depth in her music that makes her unique at what she loves best.

Nancy has discovered a way to impart some of her life experience as an Indigenous artist with a contemporary flavor that takes the audience on a journey of emotions that is always entertaining.  Her ability to reach the hearts of people young and old can only be described as compelling.

In early 2006 Nancy had decided that her time had arrived to share her talents at a more commercial level and proceeded to co-write and perform with other local artists, this has resulted in combining some of the states top musicians to establish a band with Nancy with a view to record and perform at a national level.

If dynamic entertainment combined with electrifying and emotive sounds are your idea of a great performance then Nancy Bates is a MUST SEE!

Armed with songs that will resonate with your life and times! Compelling musicianship and insanely good harmonies. The Huckleberry Swedes have been wooing audiences and critics alike across Australia with their unique sounding edgy and Soulful Roots Rock. The Huckleberry’s have released four CDs to date including this year’s ‘Suburban Dreaming’ to major critical acclaim receiving extensive national airplay (featured album on both the Daily Planet and In The Loop to name a few!).Creating a general feeling of excitement through the industry the Swedes have honed their skills working alongside the likes of Bill Chambers (Kasey’s Dad) Jim Mogine (Midnight Oil) and ambitiously touring across Australia for the last four years.

Not since Cold Chisel has a group come roaring out of South Australia with such a powerful, originally written crop of roots rock. Lucky Oceans- ABC Radio National (The Daily Planet)

Website
MySpace
or on Sonicbid

Winners of the Most Outstanding CD release in the 2009 SA Folk Awards, Adelaide Folk band Goldstein play original songs about life in Australia. Often funny & satirical lyrics, their music has been described as “ostentatiously Oz in sound” by Peter Goers, while John Schumann from Redgum says they are “like a gully wind at the end of a stiflingly hot day”. Goldstein have recently returned from playing at the National Folk Festival (Canberra) & The Port Fairy Folk Festival. A great live act, with music we can all relate to.

MySpace

Imagine you were driving along Route 66- say somewhere between Amarillo, Texas and Flagstaff, Arizona - and you decided to stop at a dusty looking honky tonk for a beer, and there was a house band playing - that band could be the Barstool Philosophers. We play rockabilly and rock and roll, some New Orleans style RnB and western swing/ country (but only cheatin’ and drinkin’ songs!). We might rock, but there’s a distinct emphasis on the roll.

Inspired by artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Dwight Yoakam, The Derailers, The Blasters, Rockpile and Wayne Hancock, the Barstools are a combo that swings, playing a mixture of obscure covers and obscurer originals- but all great danceable, rootsy music.

MySpace

The Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society (AUAS) is an organisation that was formed in October 2007 to provide a focal point for the burgeoning ukulele movement in our fair city.  Since its inception, AUAS has grown to encompass some 70 members from all ages, walks of life and musical skill levels.

Meetings (held at 7pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel) resound to the distinctive tone of the world's most endearing instrument as the AUAS struts its stuff.  A Beginner's Night is held at the Gov on the first Tuesday of each month, also at 7 pm.

AUAS made its world premiere performances in the 2008 Adelaide Festival Fringe program, and has since gigged at the Semaphore Music Festival, the Fleurieu Folk Festival and the 2009 Fringe as well as regular Friday night spots in the front bar of the Gov (fourth Friday of each month).  We promise an eclectic mix of folk, retro pop, country and rock that will showcase the qualities of the ukulele.  We'll be having fun......and we hope that you will be, too.

For more information about the Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society:
Email  ukulele@adelaide.on.net  Ring 0429 857 026 or visit http://auas.wordpress.com/

The Hoodoo Voodoo Dolls are brothers Eddie Morrison on bass and Jake Morrison on guitar, with Tim Overton on drums. They formed in Adelaide in 2005, and began to quickly make a name for themselves around Adelaide as a great live band. Combining their love of harder edged punk sounds with traditional 1950’s rockabilly, The Hoodoo Voodoo Dolls are brimming with energy and enthusiasm for making sure every member of their audience has a rockin’ good time.

The Hoodoo Voodoo Dolls have shared the stage with psychobilly and rockabilly royalty, like Sydney’s Zombie Ghost Train and The Casino Rumblers, Adelaide’s world famous Satellites, Melbourne’s The Vaudevillains and international big name psychobilly bands like The Nekromantix. They also have the Seal of Approval from the progenator of psychobilly, Paul Fenech, of the Meteors.

With no member of the band over 20 years of age, some may view The Hoodoo Voodoo Dolls as a novelty act, trading on their youth in lieu of any actual talent. However, their young age is backed up by some serious musicianship. Having studied classical music and jazz for years, each member of the Dolls can easily hold their own on their instrument. Their debut self-titled EP, released in late 2006, spent three weeks in the 3D Radio Top 20, peaking at number 9. It later made number 54 in the 3d Radio Top 100+1 releases of 2007. Another EP is in the pipeline, and should be released before the end of the year.

You can get a taste of their unique sound at www.myspace.com/thehoodoovoodoodolls, where you can hear tracks from their self-titled EP and upcoming split EP with local ska band Son of Dad, and see photos of them doing what they do best.

Funky dressing, and smooth organic rhythm and blues are synonymous when talking about Adelaide's own The Hiptones. Like all great bands, The Hiptones is an organic creation much greater than the sum of its parts. These guys individually have been living and breathing roots music all their lives. This experience has resulted in a sound that blends blues, funk and soul with a powerful pop songwriting sensibility. While there are lots of bands that have their roots in the blues, there are few with a lead singer as good as Snooks La Vie. Their mission this Semaphore Music Festival is to give their audiences the funkiest, sexiest, most soulful experience they can have with a one night only performance on Saturday 3rd October at the Semaphore Workers Club (supported by Jayne-Anne Power band).

MySpace

Where There’s Smoke is an emerging five piece band recently arrived on the Adelaide music scene. In all original pieces, singer song writer Matt Ward often reflects on the challenges of love, working for the man and the constant battle to squeeze the most out of life. In response, Where There’s Smoke produce a steely sound which will leave a hazy mix of folk, country and Australiana Rock in the air.

From their first basic demo recording, one may hear the varied influences of song writer Matt Ward including the contemporary folk simplicity of The Felice Brothers, the emotion of Bright Eyes and the classic Oz feel of The Church.  Where There’s Smoke consists of Toby Roberts on lead, Scotte Wedderburn on drums and the experienced bass guitarist and guitar maker Pa Langman. Joining the band is gun for hire Aaron Langman from Sydney outfit The Harvey Swagger Band, who rests his lead guitar role for some seriously good slide playing to give Where There’s Smoke a bluesy edge.

Since recording their first demo, the band has refined their sound and have produced a diverse set list. During 2009 Where there’s smoke will be developing their live show through numerous gigs across Adelaide’s music scene. Where There’s Smoke encapsulate everything one would want from an emerging talent – raw energy, enthusiasm, stage presence and a willingness to wear their hearts on their sleaves.

MySpace

Inspiration for guitar playing came from family and surroundings in Ceduna, South Australia. Moving to Adelaide in 94 he studied at The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM), in 99 awarded the Tandanya / Arts SA Aboriginal Fellowship Award for Performing Arts.

In 2000 Sonny was invited to Sydney's Survival concert at Waverly to play alongside some of Australia's best Indigenous talent. Live Sonny delivers a rock/roots feel with a good share of blues guitar.

Writing about life's struggles, experiences and the places where he grew up. A 2008 highlight for Sonny was the Dreaming Festival in Woodford QLD, where he performed alongside some 'deadly' artists from across the nation.

Other recent concerts include the Yarnballa Festival, Semaphore Music Festival and The Spirit Festival.

MySpace

Bridgland Brothers Bluegrass play and sing good, solid, old fashioned, authentic bluegrass music. The music of Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Doyle Lawson - and the bluegrass greats - is all the Bridgland Brothers do. So they do it real well!

Geoff and John Bridgland are South Australian bluegrass veterans. They started in a garage band in the late 60’s - and haven’t stopped except to buy new shirts. Geoff plays 5 string banjo, John plays mandolin, Phil Parker is the lead singer and guitarist and master harmony arranger, Dave Taylor takes care of the bass. With Phil leading, John does the tenor singing, Geoff the baritone and Dave the bass. These boys are part of an exciting chapter in the story of Australian bluegrass because they bring so many years of combined skill, experience and enthusiasm to the music, and love it! They make a great sound and regularly play Victorian bluegrass festivals, local folk and music festivals and private shows. They feature classic traditional high speed instrumentals and slower “hillbilly heart” songs, old and new. Big strong harmony, hot picking and enjoyment of the music is their style.

Website

Southern-fried, whiskey-fuelled and feedback-basted. Van Cleef delivers a bastard blend of intergalactic swamp rock and dirty widescreen blues.

Since early 2008, Van Cleef has served up a sonic feast in venues across Adelaide, sharing the stage with a diverse range of local and interstate acts.

Their debut demo ‘Lynching Hymns’ released in May 08, hunkered in the local radio charts for months. It also landed them an invite to record a live-to-air set that got much airplay (and still does). Van Cleef’s highly successful debut EP Intergalactic Porn Swamp was released in May 09 and continues to cause a ruckus.

MySpace

Pete Jenkins Smokin’ Gun.

Pete Jenkins reputation as a fine guitarist and vocalist far exceeds the borders of his home state of South Australia. Having spent years playing gigs all over Australia and overseas for many different artists and bands Pete Jenkins now presents his own band playing a unique blend of ‘rootsy’ electric blues, country and fusion.

Pete Jenkins Smokin’ Gun is a four piece band featuring Pete, guitar and vocals, Jack Thomson, drums, with special guests for the Semaphore Festival, Darren Hedley, bass and Rob Vorel, keyboard.
With a repertoire that features some new original music plus renditions of some searing blues classics, chicken pickin’ Nashville twang and some funky west coast fusion, a feast for the aural senses is assured.

MySpace

Adelaide’s favourite exponents of Rockabilly music “The Satellites” have been invited back to perform for the Semaphore Music Festival.

The Satellites are know wide and far for their infectious rockin’ sounds and have recently returned from the Wintersun and Greazefest festivals in Queensland.

After the much anticipated release of their seventh album “Wrong Move”, the Satellites are bouncing all about town performing with a whole swagger of new and exciting bands.

Oct 2nd you’ll be treated to The Satellites distinctive sound as they celebrate the Semaphore Music Festival in Style at the Semaphore Workers Club.

www.myspace.com/thesatellitesaustralia

The Joans brings together members of some of the Adelaide’s favourite bands (The Fiddle Chicks, Problem Pony, GT Stringer), all hailing from different genres to create a musical sound of their own. Sometimes described as "Spooky Folk Blues", The Joans meld ukuleles, guitar, fiddle, banjo, accordion, mandolin and of course vocals to interpret original songs and an eclectic range of folk, blues, spiritual, country and old jazz material. Featuring Di Caught (Problem Pony) singing songs of love, death, chain gangs, lunar thoughts and longing whilst strumming her beloved ukulele while local surf jazz/dirty rock & occasionally crooning heartthrob Jim Redgate (GT Stringer, King Daddy and James Beige) has his way with his banjo and guitars. Kim Perry of Adelaide Hills string outfit The Fiddle Chicks adds the melodic twist with her unique and thoughtful violin playing.  Creating a fuller sound, Morris Mannella provides stylish rhythm and Mick Wordley works like a scientist experimenting with sounds on his bevy of instruments to bring out the kooky edge of the sound.

Don’t miss one of The Joans rare 2009 gigs  - a certain treat for the ears and eyes – how DO they get all those instruments on stage?

Look & Listen: www.myspace.com/thejoansmusic

Hey everyone, we are letdown a pop/punk band from the outskirts of RADELAIDE.

With our fast up beat pop/punk to our crazy catchy covers there is nothing you won’t like about us so please come check us out at this wicked festival and we look forward seeing you there.

With one album already under her belt and an army of fans in tow, Melbourne's Kate Vigo is beginning to make some noise for herself with her brand new single 'The Way You Are'. Runner up in the 2007 Independent Music Awards, it seems that Kate has been slowly beguiling those in the business with her clever lyrics and catchy-as-hell tunes. Comparisons with Canadian songstress Feist are obvious - Ms Vigo's a fan, but the Aussie singer can shuffle between genres effortlessly - seamlessly shifting between blues and pop. 'The Way You Are' is the first single from Kate's forthcoming second album, due later in the year, and is yet another taster of why this young performer deserves to be known. Also known as the 'Doo Doo' song, it's a beautiful, simple piano-driven pop song, with Kate's smooth vocals sitting perfectly over a layered chorus of 'doo doos'. A video clip for the single has been shot and will be launched next month in her home town, but in the meantime, catch an earful of the single and some of her previous work over on Kate's OFFICIAL MYSPACE PAGE and see why those in the industry are slowly, but ever so surely falling under the spell of one Kate Vigo.

GrannyFlat is a four-piece rock band, formed in early 2004. These teenagers rock original material with influences from legendary Zeppelin and ACDC through to today’s Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon and Tame Impala. Audiences are blown away with high energy stage performances and musicianship far beyond their years. Live gigs are what this band is all about!

MySpace

Kalashnikov played their first show late in 2008 at the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Further shows and a flurry of songwriting followed. Their sets are now mainly original songs cowritten by the whole band. All still in high school, the members have previously played in Dandelion & Emilie and the Imitations. Recording of their new songs is planned for early next year. Occassional violin adds colour to the quirky power pop sounds of Kalashnikov.

MySpace

Formed by Lucas Sly and Jack Williams in 2004, the crew are a mix of tough pop and edgy rock, built around strong melodies played with energy and purpose. With bandmates that are accomplished jazz-trained instrumentalists, the crew have moulded into a strong rock performance outfit playing across Adelaide.

MySpace

Three times winner of 'The South Australian Songwriter of the Year' and Bank's Music 'Best New Music U.K.' award winner, Cal Williams Jr, has recently been invited to perform at the prestigious 'Adelaide International Guitar Festival 2008. Cal Williams Jr is joined by his full band on stage at the Semaphore Music Festival - comprising of Elder Conservatorium Jazz graduates Kory Horwood on Double Bass, John Hunt on clarinet/sax/flute and John-Henry Duncan on Percussion. The Cal Williams Jr band adds a beautifully rhythmic and melodic accompaniment to Cal's unique brand of slide-blues and gentle fingerpicking.

 "Cal Williams Jr is one of Australia's finest slide blues guitarists."
Hipnote, Australia

Website:- http://www.myspace.com/calwilliamsjr