NOLA Legend Jon Cleary Brings 'Monster' Funk to Cambridge Stage

Mark your calendars, Cambridge! A true titan of New Orleans music, Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary, is bringing his electrifying blend of funk, R&B, and groove to Arrow Street Arts for one unforgettable night on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

He won’t be coming alone. Cleary will be joined by his acclaimed, all-star collective of New Orleans greats, The Absolute Monster Gentlemen. If you’re looking to experience the authentic, soulful sound of the Crescent City, this is a show you won't want to miss.

A New Orleans Legend, Born in London
Cleary’s journey to becoming a New Orleans fixture is the stuff of musical legend. Though he was born in London, the rhythms of New Orleans called to him, and he hopped on a plane before his twentieth birthday. His first job in the city was painting at the famous Maple Leaf Bar, but it wasn't long before his formidable piano skills took him from painting the club to playing the club.

His deep, nuanced understanding of New Orleans music quickly made him a sought-after session player. He played with a staggering list of local icons like Earl King, Johnny Adams, and Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, and even spent time as a guitarist for the legendary Dr. John. His talent put him on stages worldwide with global superstars, including Eric Clapton and B.B. King, and he toured extensively with artists like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal.

Now, after over three decades at the forefront of the city’s evolving sound—including his 2015 Grammy-winning album, Go-Go Juice—Cleary is bringing his latest material, and some beloved classics, back out on the road.

Sophisticated, Nasty, Good-Time, Low-Down Funk
Cleary perfectly sums up the music he champions: “Sophisticated, nasty, good-time, low-down funk is the folk music of New Orleans.”

He and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen embody this ethos. The band features a powerhouse line-up, including long-time Monster Gentlemen Cornell Williams on bass and Thomas Glass on drums, anchored by the addition of Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars) on percussion. It’s a group that carries the weight of a two-hundred-year musical tradition, while constantly introducing the new.

This October 23rd performance is also a testament to the thriving arts scene in Cambridge. Presented by Bresette and Company and Arrow Street Arts, with support from the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF) and Club Passim, the show is part of a larger push to revitalize the region’s historic jazz scene.

“We want to become the place to play for the biggest names in jazz, but also an important incubator for new artists refining their sound,” said Joe Spaulding, Executive Partner at Arrow Street Arts.

Don't miss the chance to see a master at work and experience the vibrant musical heart of New Orleans, right here in Cambridge.

Show Details

• Who: Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen
• When: Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 8:00 PM
• Where: Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA 02138
• Tickets: On sale now at arrowstarts.org!