Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen roll into Holyoke fresh off their latest release, The Bywater Sessions(April 25, 2025), an album that captures the raw, live-together energy of New Orleans funk and R&B. In it, Cleary expands his sonic palette—horns, extra keyboards, guitar, vibrant percussion—while grounding the sound in deep tradition. As Cleary puts it, “We set out to capture that sound in the old-fashioned way: everybody in the room, playing together.” Songs like “So Damn Good” and “Uptown Downtown” show both reverence for the Crescent City’s roots and a willingness to push the grooves into fresher territory.

At De La Luz Soundstage, the show promises more than just incredible music—it’ll be a full sensory experience. Your ears will get the pungent bite of bluesy piano solos, the warm blow of horns, and drums that pulse like a second-line parade. The Absolute Monster Gentlemen are more than a backing band—they’re a congregation of New Orleans’ finest players who’ve learned the craft “at the feet of the masters.” Expect old favorites alongside surprises: they’ve been known to dip into classic tunes from Lee Dorsey and Professor Longhair woven in with their own funk-drenched originals.

And because music this soulful deserves food to match, Chef Sara Barnes is preparing a special New Orleans–inspired menu for the night. Having lived and cooked in the Crescent City for over a decade, Sara brings the flavors of her adopted hometown straight to the plate. Think shrimp Creole and red beans with andouille, crisp okra fritters, and a sweet finish like Bananas Foster or pecan praline beignets. Just like Cleary’s music, it’s a celebration of heritage and innovation—a night of groove, flavor, and community.

Doors and cafe open at 6:00, show at 7:00.