The Castaways - Band Members

Band Members

	John Arthurs - Guitar, Vocals John’s passion for music surfaced early in his childhood when he literally "played" in a band appropriately called, "The Neighbors" in his hometown of Pittsboro, NC. By high school he was rocking the crowds when his band received an award in the Battle-of-the-Bands contest 1975. While attending UNC-W John was recruited to play with the popular band "Quest" in Myrtle Beach 1978. In the early 80's he played with "Bits and Pieces," and in ‘85 helped form "Messablues" a blues & rockabilly band until 2002. In 2003 he helped form "Big Time Party Band", a beach and oldies band, with whom he enjoyed having three songs on the radio - two which he sang and one which he wrote for the popular "Holiday" band. The song, "You Can Count On Me" stayed on the top 40 beach music chart for six months and climbed as high as number twelve. You may also see John on the dance floor shagging. 2007 brings John to The Castaways where he looks forward to being a part of for years to come!
	Barry Brantley - Drums, Vocals After playing drums & percussion for various gospel & country music groups in the 1970’s, Barry received an offer to join a nationwide tour with the Durham based dance band "Still Creek". This began his professional music career and introduced him to a life as a full-time musician that lasted into the early 80’s and found him playing drums behind such artists as "Oliver", "Percy Sledge" & "Archie Bell". After five years of touring, Barry started looking for something closer to home. As luck would have it, The Castaways were in need of a drummer with a well-rounded background in all music styles. It seemed like a perfect opportunity. Barry would ultimately occupy the drum chair with the band for the next eighteen years, leaving only for two short periods to pursue other musical avenues such as Blues and Rock & Roll with "The Rocket Band". 2006 brought Barry back in the saddle for his 3rd tour to add his experience, vocals & a solid back-beat to the band.
	Guy Brooks - Bass, Vocals Growing up in north Durham, Guy played trumpet in junior high and high school before picking up bass guitar in 11th grade. Since forming his first band "Setera" as a senior, he hasn’t put the bass down since. While attending East Carolina University, Guy began playing with a Durham country-rock band which led to membership in several well known country-rock and Top-40 bands through the 80's and 90's including "Sleepy Creek", "New Breed", "Hicksboro Station", "Out Of Focus", and "GrooveTyme". After 18 years playing nightclubs from Myrtle Beach to Lynchburg, Guy joined the The Castaways in April 1998. As owner of SoundGuy Studios, Guy also in the engineer behind The Castaways recordings and is the band’s manager.
	Karen Clayton - Lead Vocals Having grown up around family members playing music, it was only natural that Karen discovered that her instrument was her voice. As a member of "Rawhide" for over 12 years, Karen performed every Saturday night at Carolina Country Club in Ruffin, NC where she developed her unique style and approach to singing. Playing with "Out Of Focus" and "GrooveTyme" brought Karen into contact with current and former Castaways members that ultimately lead her to join The Castaways in 2005. Local television, radio and talent shows have also showcased Karen's talents over the past years and most recently, her song-writing talent has been on display along with her vocals with The Castaways release of "Two Steps Forward".
	JT Long - Saxophone, Vocals As the name implies, longevity is the key word to describe this Castaway who joined the band August 4th, 1978. J.T. has the longest standing tenure of any member. He began his musical career on clarinet in grade school, but switched to sax by Jr. High. J.T. has played in various rock bands in the Durham area, but has spent most of his musical career with The Castaways, a gig that he calls "a dream gig" and a "privilege to be part of". Having been around for so long, he has seen many people come and go (and many return), but has enjoyed working with all of the different personalities. As for the future, J.T. plans to continue performing as long as the crowds keep coming-something that shows no sign of fading away.
	Steve Owens - Lead Vocals Bio coming soon.
	Ben Shaw - Trumpet, Vocals A native of Durham, NC, Ben began playing trumpet in school band 38 years ago where he met and started playing with soon-to-be Castaways member J.T. Long. By 1976 Ben was playing trumpet full-time. After a stint with The Castaways in the early ‘80’s, Ben began working with groups based out of the Charlotte area, including seven years with "The Fantastic Shakers". Since moving back to this area he has played two seasons in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Savoy Theater, with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and subbed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Besides performing with The Castaways, Ben continues to play with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, the Raleigh Jazz Orchestra and the North Carolina Brass Quintet. Ben is also the founder/owner of the Brassworks, a shop specializing in brass musical instrument repair and custom trumpets.
	Jimmy Weaver – Keyboard, Vocals Jimmy started playing in bands at 12 years old, playing with his older brother in "Bro T Holla" and many popular local bands. He recorded an album with "The Blazer's" in 1978 that had rave reviews in Italy. Jimmy has performed many different styles from rock and country rock to blues, soul, jazz quartet, swing, corporate and tribute bands. He has also played solo off and on for the last 12 years. A couple of the latest playing gigs were with "Slowhand" (a Tribute to Eric Clapton), and "The West Street Band". Jimmy has opened or performed with Bo Diddly, George Thoroughgood and The Destroyers, Earl Scruggs Review, Arrogance, Nantucket, as well as sitting in with lots of local bands. "I may have had the shortest 1st run with The Castaways with a three gig fill in for Randy several years ago. I look forward to many years of musical fun with The Castaways!"