It's Good Vibes And Classic Jams For This 'Dad Band' In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Their mission is simple: have fun, spread some positive vibes and use the power of rock to shine a light in a dark time.

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit New Jersey, Montclair-based “dad band,” the Monties, have been taking band practice online. Via a series of video conferences, the bandmates have been producing cover versions of well-known classic rock favorites on their iPhones, linking them together from five different living rooms across the township.

Watch their first two videos, “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel, below.

To call the Monties a “local band” is an understatement. The group has just two requirements for membership: you’ve got to be a dad, and you’ve got to live in Montclair.

According to a statement from the group, the Monties were formed by lead singer Jeremy Pholwattana and drummer Deon Carter, who met at a birthday party and bonded over music. Soon, the two – who have kids in the same grade and class – decided to organize a jam session.

And that’s when they knew they had something special, the pair say.

Still, a band isn’t a band without the right members. So Pholwattana and Carter decided to find the missing pieces, recruiting Joe Maguire (guitar/vocals), Will Kennedy (bass), Jake Harmon (keyboards), and Duane Cranston (lead guitar) to round out the team.

So far, they’ve gigged at beloved local venues such as Tierney’s Tavern and Just Jakes. But when the call for larger fame comes, the Monties will be ready, they say.

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