Catherine Traicos comments on the gap between the audience and the stage, and encourages the punters to move closer. However, the timid lot ignore her pleas. Zimbabwean-born Traicos has a rawness and poignancy to her voice, while sparse use of guitar is reminiscent of Chan Marshall aka Cat Power. Solo performers have the unenviable task of relying solely on the strength of their talent and wits to entertain discerning audiences, and Catherine has an abundance of both.

“Someone once told me happiness was a birth right, then I wrote this song,” she proclaims, before introducing "Ballad Of Lost Hopes". A set filled with songs tinged with melancholy is lifted by Traicos’ wry anecdotes about working in retail and other engaging banter, priming the throng for the poet, author and songwriter, Simone Felice.

From the moment Simone walks out nonchalantly and takes his spot on a stool, with acoustic guitar and Agwa (Cocoa Leaf Liquer) in close proximity, the audience is transfixed, and hangs on his every word. Formerly of the Felice Brothers and The Duke & The King, it is his first venture to Australian shores. His plans to tour last year were quashed by Simone undergoing open heart surgery, of which he alluded to during tonight’s set, stating that all his family, friends and loved ones were there after surgery in his hospital ward, willing him to survive.

"If You Ever Get Famous" kicks off a set filled with musical poetry. His most moving Felice Brothers' song, "Don’t Wake The Scarecrow" (a 'song about falling in love with a slut') is an audience favourite. Simone regales us with witty anecdotes, and recalls his appearance on RockWiz the previous night, where he was encouraged to say anything he wanted in expletive form, after saying 'Wall Street was crap,' he let loose with 'Wall Street were a bunch of cunts,' to cheers of appreciation from the crowd. He shares the personal tragedy of miscarrying a child, before launching into "Your Belly In My Arms", and it is this style of autobiographical song that strikes a chord with the crowd, along with his mesmerising antics; gyrating whilst hovering above the stool, which sees us give him our full attention.

Simone even treats us to a reading of his first novel, Black Jesus, about a young marine who returns from Iraq blinded, and hooks up with a young dancer. His anti-war theme continues in "One More American Song", performed with pathos and Simone’s soulful dulcet tones.

He ends what has been a truly moving and memorable gig with "Mercy", and Bruce Springsteen’s "Atlantic City", which then morphs into a mass sing-along of "Knocking on Heaven’s Door", with Felice upright and conducting the chorus. When the show is over, Felice climbs down the stage and shakes, hugs, and kisses audience members; he is truly grateful for our support and enjoyment. He then proceeds to sign CDs and copies of his novel, Black Jesus. Simone has a lot of love for his fans, and they have a lot of love to give back. It is a truly unforgettable night.

Simone Felice is one of the best performers around, and gives good hug! Keep your ears/eyes peeled for his new album, which features piano by his brother James, and harmonies from the guys from Mumford and Sons.