ROCK N’ ROLL CIRCUS with James Montgomery, Danny Klein, and Jon Butcher
tickets @ rockin4vets.com/tickets
Be there when the Rockin’ 4 Vets brings its Rock n’ Roll Circus “Nothin’ but a Party - Birthday Party” to The Flying Monkey! Featuring 3 Grammy nominees, 3 New England Music HoF inductees, 2 RI Music Hall of Fame inductees, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee, and more—it's an all star gathering rarely seen on one stage.
Rockin’ 4 Vets brings its electrifying Rock n’ Roll Circus to The Flying Monkey on Friday, May 15, 2026. Far more than an ordinary concert, this high energy, no holds barred celebration delivers high octane rock and roll with a purpose. Built around a birthday bash for two of New England’s most respected music legends, the event is equal parts tribute, party, and Veterans benefit—promising “Nothin’ but a Birthday Party.”
Honoring James Montgomery and Danny “Ace on the Bass” Klein, co-founder of the iconic J. Geils Band, the Rock n’ Roll Circus delivers a no holds barred party fueled by blues, soul, and classic rock swagger. Montgomery’s fiery harmonica and commanding stage presence combine with Klein’s deep, unmistakable groove to create the foundation for a night steeped in history and raw musical power.
Joining the celebration is guitar icon Jon Butcher, widely regarded as one of Boston’s most influential players, along with special guests Bruce Marshall (Toy Caldwell) and Andrew “AC” Clark, known for his tenure with John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, each bring their own legacy and energy to the stage. Backing them is a powerhouse band featuring seasoned New England musicians who keep the night moving with relentless drive.
With a line-up like this fans can expect a thrilling mix of Montgomery classics, Jon Butcher Axis, J. Geils, and Marshall Tucker Band favorites, and more.
The setlist is loose, the vibe is electric, and the goal is simple: nothing fancy, nothing quiet—just a full throttle birthday party.
Hands up time here: I’m a fan of James Montgomery and his blasting harp-fuelled blues. Montgomery has been around Stateside for more years than I care to remember, and is always guaranteed to bring of class, style and sensitivity to any project he touches. You get more than just a hint at his quality when looking at some of the guys he’s worked with over the years: Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Gregg Allman, Bruce Springsteen, New Hampshire acoustic picker, Bob McCarthy. Even Aerosmith benefited from his input. With this release, he is joined by guitarist, George McCann, David Hull on bass and Jeff Thompson on drums.
The ten track album is clearly inspired by Montgomery’s personal blues hero, Paul Butterfield, and he describes and intends that it should be seen as his own tribute to the revered Paul Butterfield Blues Band of old. Montgomery first caught Butterfield play in 1965 in San Francisco – incidentally the same year that saw Dylan shake up his fans and the folk world by going electric – and was immediately impacted and inspired by his playing, an influence that has remained at the very core of his blues-love and performance ever since. Close the eyes and that Butterfield sound, pulsing with raw emotion, can be heard. With some sterling keys support from Butterfield’s own Mark Naftalin – this is an album that is always going to make its mark.
-Iain Patience (Elmore Magazine 12/15/16)