Last weekend saw music-lovers of all genre-persuasions flock to the Fleurieu Peninsula to engage in the beloved annual celebration of arts, music, and camping that is Space Jams.
The event’s cheeky, good-natured motto parallels the famous Neil Armstrong quote: “One small step for man, one giant leap for live music.” Its founders describe it as “an SA based touring festival featuring (for the most part) local original music.”
Artist Christina Lauren, who spent last weekend working at the event, described Space Jams as, “An epic balance between community and family-centred vibes – completely wholesome. And just a really good old music festival. It’s in that sweet spot of not being too big yet, so it feels like you and everyone else there are having a completely unique experience altogether. Josh [Morphett, the event runner] curates a great lineup.”
Space Jams, taking place from October 5th to October 6th, was held at Alma’s Hem, the Inman Valley amphitheatre and retreat situated by a winter creek on a working cattle farm. The venue is a private campground that boasts an astonishing view of star-studded skies at night and glimpses of some colourful wildlife and birdlife during the day.
Lauren noted, “You could see everyone cared about the environment as there was hardly any rubbish – I actually don’t think I saw a single piece on the ground. It just felt like an appreciation for nature was woven throughout.”
This year, Space Jams delivered a colourful genre-expansive line-up that featured 18 acts performing across 2 stages.
The festival was headlined by eccentric post-punk five-piece The Empty Threats, known for their flamboyant live hijinks, still buzzing off of the success of their mid-2024 tour of Europe.
The line-up also boasted Dustyn – previously known as the frontman of beloved South Australian blues-rock band Wanderers – and funky dream-pop powerhouse Mane.
Other acts included Effie Isobel, Joey Pappas, Koleh, King Jeff & The How Are You’s, Ms Chipeta, My Chérie, Naomi Keyte, Pash, Shodashi, Thunder Speaks, as well as various sonically invigorating DJs.
It has been a treat to watch Space Jams grow from a DIY Instagram live-stream music festival during lockdown in 2020 to a massive, celebratory public event.
Previously winning the SA Music Award for ‘Best Small Festival/Event,’ the festival is proudly South Australian, and proudly prioritises crafting an environment that is safe and family-friendly. Children are welcome – there is even a kids area called The Plai Space – and festival attendees are warned of Space Jams’ “one important rule” – “if you identify as a d*ckhead, please leave that behaviour elsewhere, and just bring the legendary version you!’
I think it’s super important to have these small-scale festivals,” Lauren states. “It allows emerging acts to build authentic relationships with new audiences that aren’t attending larger, more commercial festivals. It’s really vital to the live music ecosystem to have these opportunities.”
The event-runners publicly described Space Jams 2024 as a “magical experience.” They will hopefully be keen and able to carry this important South Australian musical tradition on into the coming years.
