Congo Square

CONGO SQUARE
From Melbourne Australia, featuring the talented Aurora MacKrill and Craig Milligan on lead vocal, Chris Moore - Guitar, Peter Nolan - Keys, James Courtney - Trumpet, Michael Golden - Sax, Steve Wells - Drums, Tony White - Bass.
Highly talented and experienced team of artists have formed a new cover band focussing on soul and funk genres playing at venues around Australia.
Congo Square - Edgy Elegance with Attitude

Aurora MacKrill Vocalist & Entertainer
Aurora’s talents were discovered in the 90’s by the producer of the ‘Ultimate Event,” where she successfully adopting the role of ‘Liza Minnelli, alongside the great Abby Joyce of ‘Jabulani’. During her career, she’s had international exposure. Aurora established the Duo ‘Perfect Strangers’ playing at Crown Casino’s Oak Room and JJ’s Restaurant then moving to California for several years, Aurora became a regular performer at San Genaro’s Club, Culver City.Her theatrical style of entertaining contributes vocal and visual colour, mixed with a splash of the unexpected all aimed at an entertaining experience. Aurora’s desire to work with some of Melbourne’s top musicians inspired the formation of Congo Square.

Craig Milligan – Vocalist
Craig has been performing for many years in various capacities both on
and off the stage. During this period, he has founded, managed and performed with several of Melbourne’s well known cover bands gigging on the circuit in many of the major venues around Australia. A talented musician and songwriter, Craig is an
exuberant and dynamic singer where he has enjoyed success in the Contemporary and Rock ‘n Roll fields of music performing in cover bands such as The Invasion, In Like Flynn, Men Of Leisure and Big Bang and original band Kyro. Now he teams up with the crème of Melbourne musicians to create the ultimate corporate entertaining funk/soul band of CONGO SQUARE.

Tony White - Bass
Tony has been playing Bass for over 25 years, from Tasmania began working with acts throughout all of Australia & overseas.
Throughout his musical career Tony has worked with many acts Including, The Australian Bee Gees Show, ( who are currently performing in Las Vegas ) other acts include corporate show bands Savannah & Midnight Madness, has also supported Cindi Lauper, worked with Ian Moss & country music artist Jean Stafford.
With a vast history of experience Tony brings a strength of versatility & knowledge to Congo Square.

Steve Wells – Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals
A Melbourne based drummer of 30 years experience in Australia and Asia.
Steve has worked with bands covering many styles, rock and heavy rock ,top 40 cover bands.He has recorded extensively with many artists, he has worked live with Mike Rudd, (ex Arial ) Rockpile Jones and Wilbur Wilde from Ol’ 55, legends of Australian rock.
In late 2011, Steve and Aurora decided to form a classy covers band and put together the great Soul/Funk outfit CONGO SQUARE .

Peter Nolan – Keyboards and Backing Vocals
Peter is a versatile and soulful piano and keyboard player who has over 20 years of live performing and recording experience. With classical training and a background in diverse styles of modern jazz, soul, R&B and pop, Peter’s playing skills, together with his vocal talents, song-writing flair, and expertise with arrangements and orchestration, have made him a much sought after musician.
Peter has ranged from being a solo accompanist to a member of a stage orchestra. Over the years he has performed with a number of acts including
“The Big O Show Band”
“Take It To The Limit – The Eagles Story”
“Ransom” and “SoundUnion” – originals bands

Chris Moore – Guitar and vocals
Chris has been performing for many years in covers and original bands around Melbourne and comes from a diverse and eclectic background of styles and influences.
His last covers band “Alchemy” with fellow Congo Square performer Mike Golden featured renowned Melbourne singers Arnold Tihema and Melissa James.
Alchemy with its penchant for different covers and imaginative improvisation now has its roots in Congo Square with the artists here all adding their touches to the take on covers produced.
Chris has varied influences from Blues to Jazz influenced fusion that brings some unpredictability to the Congo Square spirit.

James Courtney – Trumpet
James emerged as a trumpet player from the dark depths of last century!. His early training benefited immensely from a teacher that mentored him into the more serious and professional avenues of music, which saw him playing with Big Bands and combos whilst still in year 11. His early training and favoured music encompassed styles by jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Maynard Ferguson. By his early teens, James was playing with several bands and touring to perform both originals and covers with leading musicians. He also appeared with the Channel 9 band on the Carols by Candlelight Christmas eve telecasts under the guidance of Graham Lyall.
James played regularly in some of Melbourne’s infamous venues and also enjoyed recording modern jazz tracks with other musicians. James’ recent efforts include ‘originals’ bands, the Big O Show, guest appearances with The Eagles Story, and selected covers gigs. James joined CONGSQUARE at its inception and contributes to the bands unique sound with Michael Golden; together known as the ‘Brass Monkeys’!

Mike Golden - Sax
Michael has been playing Tenor Sax for over 20 years, with a number of different styles from Rock, Swing, through to Soul and Jazz.
He has worked with a variety of bands in the Australian music scene. Among some of Michaels musical undertakings are touring with the Buddy Holly Show throughout Australia, appearing on good morning Australia and Hey Hey Its Saturday, to name a few. Now working with the talents in Congo Square .