The Latest from FHQ
Jon & the Gents head Down Under in 2024!
AUSTRALIA! After five years away, we're coming back this May and we're bringing the New Orleans funk with us! Join us all across your fine nation and grab your tickets here: https://clbr.co/joncleary/
May 10: Tanks Arts Centre - Cairns, QLD
May 11: Meeniyan Town Hall - Meehan, VIC
May 12: Memo Music Hall - St. Kilda, VIC
May 16: Brunswick Ballroom - Melbourne, VIC
May 17: Brunswick Ballroom - Melbourne, VIC
May 18: Kings Beach Tavern - Caloundra, QLD
May 21: Lizotte's Newcastle - Newcastle, NSW
May 22: The Factory Theatre - Sydney, NSW
May 24: Freo.Social - Fremantle, WA
May 26: The Gov Adelaide - Adelaide, SA
Jon’s new song, Zulu Coconuts, is out now!
On Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, a Zulu might throw you a coconut - if you’re lucky.
Catch one at the Zulu parade and you can consider yourself King of Carnival. Brightly painted, you’ll see these cherished family jewels displayed proudly on the shelves and mantelpieces of homes all over the Crescent City - King amongst nuts: the crown jewels of the New Orleans family.
But - and this is a very big but - visitors, please treat them with respect. Don’t manhandle them. They’re valuable. They’re delicate. Don’t just pick them up and play with them, one slip and they could easily drop!
In fact, it's far safer to just admire the splendour of Zulu Coconuts from a distance.
Delight in them from afar and keep your hands off. Enjoy Carnival, let your hair down, do watcha wanna! Have a wonderful, wild Mardi Gras - just keep your hands off my nuts!
“Big Greasy” Featured in New Jennifer Lawrence Film, Causeway
Watch the official trailer for Causeway and read more about the New Orleans-based movie that featured Jon’s music here.
Jon Wraps up a Successful 2022 Jazz Fest
Between official New Orleans Jazz Fest sets and a variety of nighttime shows, Jon had an eventful and exciting Jazz Fest season. Jon kicked off the weekend with a “Funky New Orleans R&B Revue” featuring special guests at the Broadside, and his official Gentilly Stage Jazz Fest set. He proceeded to play a sold-out duo show with percussionist Pedro Segundo at the Ace Hotel and a sold-out band show at the Maple Leaf, before closing out the second weekend with a tribute to Dr John at Jazz Fest and a show with the North Mississippi Allstars at the House of Blues. Check out some highlights on Jon’s Facebook page here!
Listen to Jon’s interview on JAZZFM91’s Gumbo Kitchen
Learn about some of Jon’s backstory and more in this interview with Ronnie Littlejohn of JAZZFM91. Click here to listen.
Jon Cleary & Ivan Neville
Duo Mardi Gras Special
Longtime friends Jon Cleary and Ivan Neville are two of the funkiest keyboard players, singers and band leaders in New Orleans and they’ve come together to celebrate Mardi Gras with you from the comfort of your own home! Expect an evening full of celebration, conversation and a musical gumbo featuring some of the artists’ favorite songs.
US Show Times:
Tuesday, February 16th
Pacific 6pm | Central - 8pm | Eastern - 9pm
International Show Times:
Wednesday, February 17th
London - 2am | Sydney - 1pm | Tokyo - 11am
Once purchased the stream is available for 48hrs if you can't watch live or want to re-watch!
Transmissions from NOLA featuring Jon Cleary premiers on January 13th 8pm CT on Hyfi.com
Pre-order tickets here
For those wanting to dive a little bit deeper into the theory of New Orleans Paino, Jon's New Orleans Blues, Funk, and R&B course is available on Pianogroove - HERE
Tune into the ‘Quarantini Happy Hour’ every Tuesday and Saturday on Facebook and YouTube
Patreon page now live!
Zanzibar to Havana, Shanghai to Tangier, I’ve hammered the keys in some funky places. I've slammed a full tilt Boogie for lifers at San Quentin prison, conjured old Storyville melodies for crowned heads of Europe in Royal suites and serenaded Mayan Indians on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Played the blues with BB King and once I even did the ’Tighten Up’ with Archie Bell and the Drells. From Barrooms, Brothels and shabeens to the Hollywood Bowl and The Albert Hall, I’ve played ‘em all.
Now I’m at home, a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, in the old Creole neighbourhood of New Orleans. My beat-up double bass is in the corner, a couple of guitars and a piano, bottle of Guinness in the fridge...time to pull a few notes from the air and write a new song.
If you join us, you might be the first to hear it.