Jon Cleary

CRH Members pre-sale opens Tuesday 29 Sept at 11AM AEST. Tickets are available to the general public Wed 30 Sept at 11AM AEST. Not a Member? Sign up here

After more than 35 years at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, two-time Grammy Award-winner Jon Cleary will return to Australia in March 2027 with his extraordinary longtime backing band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, bringing the good time funk, soul and joy of the Crescent City to City Recital Hall. 

Born in London, and on a plane to New Orleans at 19, he grew up absorbed by the sounds and rhythms of the city. His mastery of its music landed him gigs as a session musician in the bands of local legends Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill– and as a guitarist for Dr. John. 

His solo career began in 1989 and includes beloved records like his self-titled band debut and 2015 Grammy winner, Go-Go Juice. 2024’s The Bywater Sessions strengthened the band to its largest version yet, generating the highest streaming and sales numbers of his career.

At the heart of Cleary’s New Orleans sound are The Absolute Monster Gentlemen –a powerhouse of groove, soul and exciting musicianship. Drawn from the deep musical community of New Orleans, the band brings together musicians who understand the language of funk, R&B and second-line rhythm from the inside out. Together with Cleary on the keys, guitar and vocals, they create the loose and infectious deep pocket grooves that have made the Gentlemen a fixture on stages and dancefloors around the world.

Expect all the deep grooves, piano mastery and good-time rhythms when Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen come to the Hall. 

The music is about celebration. It’s about deep and aching soul. Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)

Jon Cleary is the eighth wonder of the world. Bonnie Raitt