Blues Legend James Montgomery to headline local benefit concert for Veterans

James Montgomery an icon in New England music for over 4 decades has been referred to as “the John Mayall of New England” by J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf, an apt description. So in that style, Montgomery will not be coming to perform alone; but rather reaching back through his career to include artists who have shared the stage with him over the years.

Montgomery, who hails from Michigan, came to Boston in the 60’s to attend Boston University, became immersed in the Boston music scene and has never left his adopted home. He is one of the areas performers truly rooted in Boston music of the 70’s. His hold on the music scene then until now means there is probably no one of a certain age who does not have a story about James being one of the first performers they saw play at their high school or college.

James has shared the stage with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers such as Aerosmith, the Allman Brothers and the late BB King. His rise from 70’s breakout act to today has had him appearing at theatres, arenas and stadiums across the country, as well as on stages across the world during his 5 year run as sideman to late Blues great Johnny Winter.

The remainder of the performers joining James reads like a Who’s Who spanning over 40 years of both Boston and New England headlining performers.

Hailing from CT. are the Mohegan Sun (Shaboo) All-Stars, fronted by David Foster, of Connecticut’s legendary Shaboo Inn. The rhythm section of the All-Stars includes such notables as Mitch Chakour on keyboards and vocals and Cliff Goodwin on lead guitar; two Joe Cocker veterans. Wolf Ginandes, a Boston-based performer & session player on bass along with drummer, Marty Richards, who’s toured with jazz great Gary Burton and the J Geils Band as well as recorded with Norah Jones & the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Over the years, the All-Stars roster has grown to include other superb musicians who might sit in when they are available, most notably, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, Dan Ackroyd, Maceo Parker and Buddy Guy. The band has also supported tour dates with Ray Charles, James Brown, Delbert McClinton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvin Bishop, Etta James, Joe Cocker, B.B. King and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes.

John Cafferty And “Tunes” Antunes the faces of John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band or as you may know them “Eddie & the Cruisers” have agreed to join our line-up and bring their power packed classic “Jersey Shore” sound with them. John and Tunes labored for years as performers being pigeon holed by their sound. But the release of the movie made Beaver Brown one of the true holders of the adage it took years to become an overnight success.

The band has continued since, as it had prior to the movie release, to provide a bone crushing blue collar sound. The blend of John’s voice and Tune’s sax evoke such a strong image it is impossible to not want to sing along with them as they roll through all of their hits such as “On the Dark Side”, “Tender Years”, “Heart’s On Fire” and “Wild Summer Nights”.

Barry Goudreau, former guitarist for arena rockers Boston, will be performing as well. Barry is the creator of a signature sound that sets Boston’s earliest songs apart from all the rest. His unique guitar sound has helped make those hits such as “More Than a Feeling” and “Long Time” to be among the constant rotation of songs on all classic radio stations across the country as well as theme and intro music for numerous TV show and radio shows. The songs are Boston’s; but the sound uniquely Barry’s.

After leaving Boston, Barry continued own as a principal in other bands most notably Orion the Hunter and RTZ. At present when not involved in events such as this he appears as a member of one of several All-Star bands around the nation.

Grammy Nominee and member of Boston’s elite rock royalty, Jon Butcher has earned his place in music history books and beyond as founder of ‘The Jon Butcher Axis’. Jon’s discography of 19 national and international releases, MTV and VH1 music videos are the underpinnings of a music career spanning decades. Jon’s latest CD release, ‘AXIS 3” and the theatrical debut of KISS THE SKY both promise an exciting year for Jon.

Jon continues to explore and re-define his own artistic vision. He can be seen touring this year with rock trio The Jon Butcher Axis: Celebrating the Music of Jimi Hendrix. This powerful and dynamic show features Jon reunited with original Axis bassist Chris Martin along with drummer/ vocalist John Anthony and is selling out theatres across the region.

Johnny Winter, one of the most recognizable guitarists for the past half century sadly passed on last year but not before creating a legacy traveling from his home in Texas through Woodstock and across the rest of the known world. Sadly his passing created an incredible void in the music world, but he did not go without leaving behind a constant reminder of his unique style. The reminder is the Johnny Winter Legacy Band. Johnny had the ability to choose whom to perform with, hell he could turn down Rock and Roll HOF members from entry into his band.

He chose this group of musicians, led by Paul Nelson, to carry on for him. With him they recorded with a list of performers that is just too long to mention and toured the world appearing on stages in small theaters and large stadiums. People at every location would scramble to see him and his band and the band vowed to keep the memory of Johnny alive through these shows that he himself would be proud of and to fulfill the desires of his still growing fan base.

29 year old Marissa Licata, a star powerhouse soloist will be joining James’ band for these events. Marissa quickly became high in demand as both a featured soloist and recording artist. In the years following she has collaborated on projects and performed on national and international tours with Alicia Keys, Ben Harper, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Gloria Estefan, Pras of the Fugees, Jermaine Paul, Elle Varner, Gaby Wilson, and many more.

Danny Klein the “Ace on Bass” a founding member of the J. Geils Band will also be joining in on the event. Klein, who hails from NJ is another who came to Boston joined a band and never left. Over a span of more the 40 years Danny has continued to provide a steady backing on such Geils’ hits as “House Party” and “Hard Drivin Man” as well as on their chart topping hits “Centerfold” and “Freezeframe”.

Danny will be joining in fresh off the completion of Geils’ latest tour of the northeast, where he will have been performing from Boston to Detroit.

A longtime friend of James’ Jimmy McCarty, one of rocks truly iconic performers will be coming in from Michigan to join us. Jimmy was the original guitarist for Mitch Rider and the Detroit Wheels. As well, he was a member of Buddy Miles Express, recorded with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Seger. McCarty was also a member of one of the most famous unknown bands in America, Cactus. Started by former members of Vanilla Fudge and meant as a vehicle for Jeff Beck, who was injured and unable to participate. Jimmy joined and went on a ride for the ages. He is truly another one of the sixties musicians who has weathered well the passage of time and has been able to knock it out of the park as a performer for to many years to count.

Currently touring as a member of Orleans and fronting the thrilling rock/blues act “The Big Strum”, left-handed, upside-down guitarist/singer/journeyman Dennis “Fly” Amero finds his musical roots deep within the vast genres of the ‘60’s pop revolution. Influences range from Bob Dylan to James Brown to Roy Orbison to Aretha Franklin... and just about everything in between.

As a young teenager, Fly was already capturing public attention, performing on the hallowed stages of 1967’s Newport Folk Festival with Buddy Guy and Jr. Wells. Amero later moved to New York City, joining in on musical projects with members of the pop/rock bands, Foreigner and Meatloaf. In the early 1980’s, Fly struck upon the start of what would become a lifelong friendship with the classic pop singer, Larry Hoppen of Orleans. He joined, toured and recorded with the famed group for the better part of 3 years before returning home to focus on his own writing.

Bay State native and former American Idol finalist Ayla Brown. Ayla may not have won on AI, but she has been very prolific in touring and recording over the last several years. Relocating to Nashville to work as a singer/songwriter she has continued traveling widely, opening for a number of national performers from Charlie Daniels to Clint Black. She is fresh off her summer tour as headliner crossing the country on a series of charity events to assist our Veterans.

DATE: Saturday, November 14, 2015

TIME: 8:00pm (Doors 7:00pm)

VENUE: Larcom Theatre 13 Wallis Street Beverly, MA

TICKETS: All Ages Reserved Seats www.gimmelive.com or call (978)525-9093