RAY BEADLE, CHARLIE WOOTON & ARSÈNE DELAY (New Orleans) - An Unmissable Night of Blues, Soul & Southern Swagger
Get ready for a world-class musical experience as Australia’s blues guitar maestro Ray Beadle joins forces with two incredible artists straight out of New Orleans USA — legendary bassist Charlie Wooton (Royal Southern Brotherhood) and powerhouse vocalist Arsène DeLay.
This rare collaboration brings the deep groove of the Big Easy to life, blending scorching blues, soulful rhythms, and electrifying improvisation. From Beadle’s fiery guitar licks to Wooton’s swampy basslines and DeLay’s soul-drenched vocals, this trio delivers a performance packed with passion, authenticity, and pure musical magic.
One stage. Three masters. A night you won’t forget.
RAY BEADLE
Ray Beadle is the real deal — a world-class guitarist, soul-stirring vocalist, and captivating songwriter whose music cuts straight to the heart. His guitar style pays tribute to blues greats while forging a sound unmistakably his own: raw, expressive, and electrifying. It's no wonder Ray has become a beloved figure in the Australian blues scene.
A multiple Chain Blues Award winner — including Best Album, Best Song, and Best Male Artist — Ray’s music resonates with honesty, depth, and a profound understanding of the blues tradition. His sound is steeped in over 20 years of experience performing both nationally and internationally, from local blues haunts to stages in the deep South of the USA.
Ray’s musical journey began at age 9, and by his early 20s, he had honed his craft playing alongside legends, including years with the revered Foreday Riders — often called Australia’s "University of the Blues." He’s since gone on to perform with major Australian and international acts, earning standing ovations from packed festival crowds and club audiences alike.
A defining moment in Ray’s career came during a three-month residency at BB King’s Blues Club in Memphis, along with performances at several iconic Southern blues festivals — cementing his reputation as one of the most thrilling live blues performers of his generation.
Ray Beadle doesn't just play the blues — he lives it.
CHARLIE WOOTON & ARSÈNE DELAY
When powerhouse vocalist Arsène DeLay and world-renowned bassist Charlie Wooton team up, the result is a hypnotic fusion of soul, funk, and groove-driven storytelling that lingers long after the last note fades.
Hailing from New Orleans, Arsène DeLay brings a voice that soothes the soul and commands attention, paired with a trance-like rhythm guitar style adding a hypnotic depth to her performances. Her critically acclaimed and award-nominated solo debut set the stage for a rising career, earning her a spot on the national radar when the title track was featured on NCIS: New Orleans. Her latest release, Come Back to New Orleans (2023), pays homage to ’90s dance club vocalists and has become a beloved anthem on the local drag show circuit.
Lafayette native Charlie Wooton, is a bassist of extraordinary versatility and expression. Best known for his work with Royal Southern Brotherhood, Bonerama, and Zydefunk, he launched his career as the bassist for zydeco legend Chubby Carrier before carving out a path that would earn him comparisons to Jaco Pastorius. His signature blend of percussive, yet lyrical playing makes him a standout in the world of blues and funk, with songwriting credits that include Fired Up for RSB.
In 2019, the duo officially joined forces, combining Arsène’s soul-drenched storytelling with Charlie’s rhythmic, groove-heavy basswork. When the pandemic brought their city to a standstill, they turned to weekly live streaming, keeping the spirit of New Orleans alive through music. Their chemistry was undeniable, creating performances that felt as raw as they were electrifying, locking in audiences with a spellbinding connection.
That same year, under Charlie’s direction, Blue Basso featuring Arsène DeLay was released to critical acclaim and Blues Album award nominations, boasting an all-star lineup of guest musicians, including Anders Osborne, Doug Wimbish, Eric McFadden, and Sonny Landreth. In 2024, DEKO Records re-released this stunning collection, solidifying its place as an essential soundtrack for road trips and deep listening sessions alike.
Whether delivering an intimate acoustic set or an electrified full-band performance, Arsène DeLay and Charlie Wooton bring a raw, magnetic energy that makes every show unforgettable. Their music is not just heard—it’s felt.
You may also like the following events from Ray Beadle Band:
- Next Saturday, 5th July, 05:00 am, Ray Beadle & The Greenbacks in Marrickville
- Next month, 20th July, 04:30 am, Ray Beadle Band @ Coledale RSL The Bombie Bar in Wollongong
- This August, 1st August, 08:30 am, Ray Beadle, Charlie Wooton (New Orleans) & Arsène DeLay (New Orleans) in Kirrawee
Also check out other
Music events in Wollongong,
Entertainment events in Wollongong,
Festivals in Wollongong.
