On the Flip Side has a knack for organising inclusive festivals that are safe and fun for everyone involved. The second Skate Daze festival yesterday was no exception. Stellar local bands plus skate and roller blading demos and various art activities made for a fun and engaging all-ages day out.

Slippery People opened musical proceedings with their smooth and tight brand of catchy, funky pop. Their songs are danceable and well-constructed, and they slipped in a very cool cover of ‘Money’ by Pink Floyd. A band to watch, they’ve only played a handful of shows, but you wouldn’t know it.

Sunsick Daisy followed up their brief set at last year’s Skate Daze with a full one yesterday. The promise that was shown in those initial two songs is coming to fruition. They’ve developed a shoegazy pop/rock sound and have grown in confidence. Despite their young years they know how to write and arrange a good song and their musicianship is strong. I think these guys will go far.

Tonix followed with a set of instrumentals that alternated atmospheric saxophone and keyboard movements with some upbeat sections propelled by rocking beats.

Sets from Hey Harriett and then The Vains finished the day and showed once again why they are two of the best bands on the Adelaide scene. Though they’re sonically and musically quite different, they both bring the good vibes, and their performances result in an exchange of positive energy with their enthusiastic audiences. There hasn’t been much dancing going on lately, but it was back in full force yesterday, the crowd revelling in movement and the joy that both bands exude. Hey Harriett’s set consisted of spirited versions of indie rock favourites (‘Honest’, ‘More’, ‘Not Allowed’ etc) and more recent bangers like ‘Hearts in the Ocean’ and ‘Ventolin’. The Vains threw their brilliant cover of Hendrix’s ‘Foxy Lady’ in among their killer rock/punk originals (Low Expectations, Strut, Pussy Power etc). The day ended with a fiery run through of ‘Mother/Martyr’ that left us all wanting more.

Full credit must go to On the Flip Side and their team for organising such a great day. Let’s hope it’s back next year.