Dynamic Duo

DYNAMIC DUO Public Display of Affection

Story by MARIE KROLIKOWSKI

What began as a friendship for Julia and Charlie Barrale has evolved into a partnered musical career, marriage, and a family for the duo. Although the couple call a St. Louis suburb their home, the Lake area has become a favorite performance venue with over 65 dates already scheduled for 2022.

The couple met in 2017 when Julia attended Charlie’s album release party in St. Louis. “Our first conversation was about how we were going to play music together,” Charlie said. “Then we went on a date.”

That first date took place in October of 2018. In November, they performed their first show together at the Lake when they opened for Tyler Farr at Shawnee Bluff. The couple tied the knot in August of 2020.

“When we first got together we talked about our plans,” Charlie said. “We realized that our dreams matched up and it propelled us to do what we do today.”

“We traveled all over the country together and we did it so well,” Julia added. “That alone told me.”

Charlie’s interest in music started at age four at the piano. He jumped to the guitar at age 11, and started writing songs at 15. He performed in an acapella group while attending St. Louis University and throughout his college years became more of a musician. He sings, plays the acoustic guitar and the piano.

Julia grew up participating in the orchestra and choir community. She began playing the violin at age seven, and at only 12 years of age she was the second chair violist at St. Mary’s Symphony in Maryland. At age 16 she moved to first chair,

and at 17 years of age she performed at the Kennedy Center. She plays violin, fiddle and also sings.

Appropriately named PDA Music (Public Display of Affection), the connection between the two is evident while performing.

“When we’re playing together we actually make eyes at one another,” Julia said. “Our music is our public display of affection.”

Along with marrying Julia, Charlie was thrilled to gain six-year-old Jett, a son from Julia’s previous relationship. This past November, the family grew with the birth of Isadora Charlotte (Izzy for short.).

While they love performing together, on occasion Charlie does go solo. Their songbook includes his originals, their originals performed together, and a wide genre of cover songs from the 90’s to current music.

“The Lake of the Ozarks feels like family,” Julia said. “It’s our home away from home.” Charlie added, “You just can’t keep us away. We love it there. It’s never stale and the people have been so wonderful to us. On one occasion we even stayed with a family we met. The people are just amazing.”

UPCOMING SHOWS

March 11

Brick House Cajun Cusine 7-11 p.m.

March 12

Casablanca 1-5 p.m.

March 12

The Office 7-11 p.m.

MORE INFO

PDA music can be downloaded on Spotify. For videos and their full show schedule, go to www. pdastlmusic.com.