30 May – Milena Barrett; Simon Phillips; Charlie Castle & the Boys in the Well

Milena Barrett band

Simon Phillips

Charlie Castle & the Boys in the Well

Milena Barrett has been described as ‘One of Australia’s most talented Blues female vocalists” and “a sonic shockwave for lovers of authentic blues and soul. ” She & her band create a not-to-be-missed blues-rock-soul musical experience which harks back to the music of old with a slick contemporary twist, creating the ultimate rhythm and blues night. With their six-piece band they perform original material as well as songs made famous by the likes of Eta James, Aretha Franklin and the Faces. A very special event not to be missed. “One of Australia’s most talented blues & soul vocalists, an outstanding talent like no other!” Glenn A Baker

Simon Phillips has been described by Tommy Emmanuel as “a serious talent”. Simon is far from your typical guitarist, with a vast range of vocal melodies and using every limb in his body – his foot percussion that brings the beat, a tambourine and the sweet sounds from his Cole Clark. This virtuoso blends a distinctive and skilful sound that’s heavily steeped in soul, gospel, finger style and blues & roots. “When you write something that you really feel in your heart, something so real from your own personal existence that it brings you to tears, you’re going to play it no matter what, isn’t that what it’s all about?” A natural born storyteller, Simon expresses his philosophy and poetry through his music, a modern day tambourine man that chooses not to play by society’s rules, and for good reason. Exhibiting the vocal acrobatics of Jeff Buckley and a song-writing style comparable to John Mayer”, SOULSHINE.COM.AU That’s the magic that makes all the difference, being able to tap into a place that is deeply personal, vulnerable and true. Many music festivals, thousands of gigs and four albums later, his musical maturity and stirring songwriting continues to inspire. “Phillips’ technical ability both as a singer and a guitarist, is perfectly matched by a remarkable breadth of intelligence as a songwriter and lyricist”, DRUM MEDIA Sydney. Simon has supported Larry Carlton (session guitarist for Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson), Robben Ford (played with Miles Davis), Kate Miller-Heidke, Lee Ritnour (session guitarist for Pink Floyd for a time), and Australia’s own Vince Jones. Time and again his musicianship has established him as a force to be reckoned with, earning him the respect from the likes of Tommy Emmanuel and Robben Ford, who said he “Plays his ass off…sings his ass off”. “Phenomenal! I can’t recommend this enough. But I can try. Five Stars.” TWENTY600 MAGAZINE “Quite literally amazing…should be listened to obsessively.” THE FREMANTLE HERALD

Charley Castle and the Boys in the Well offer an old-is-new brand of bluegrass connecting elements of bygone country and folk with modern sensibilities. A fast-paced, infectious dynamic and equally catchy songs make for a holler-inducing live show. In the classic string band style, Charley leads the talents of Reuben Ryan on acoustic guitar, Henry Junor on double bass and George Teasdell on mandolin, with harmonies galore. Charley was a student at the CMAA Academy of Country Music 2023, the winner of the Australian National Busking Championships Best Vocals Award 2023 and was twice shortlisted for the ASA Australian Songwriting Contest in 2020. She has shared the stage with likes of The Bushwackers and Kevin Bennett and the Flood, and opened for Aussie icons Daryl Brathwaite, Brian Cadd, You Am I, and Thirsty Merc.