Covington's Office of Cultural Arts and Events invites you to the first "Rockin' the Rails" outdoor concert of Fall 2023 in Rev. Peter Atkins Park, 701 N. Tyler St. The featured artist is British blues pianist and composer Jon Cleary. The concert is 5:30-7:30 p.m. and admission is free.

A respected session and sideman, Jon Cleary has worked with rock, blues and soul artists like Bonnie Raitt, D'Angelo, Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Eric Clapton. Originally a guitarist, Cleary began playing at age five, started his first band at 15, and was raised on blues, jazz, and soul records. His love of New Orleans blues and jazz in particular took him across the ocean after he graduated from art school, and to the Maple Leaf Bar, where he realized that blues piano was his calling. He played with the likes of bluesmen like Smokey Johnson, James Singleton, George Porter and Walter "Wolfman" Washington, with whom he performed for two years before forming his own band, the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, with bassist Cornell Williams and guitarist Derwin "Big D" Perkins from the gospel group The Friendly Travelers, and drummer Jeffrey "Jellybean" Alexander. Cleary has recorded albums with his band, as well as Taj Mahal and George Porter, and was part of the cast of the short-lived HBO series Tremé, where, like most musicians on the show, he played himself.

Covington's Rockin' the Rails concerts continue each Thursday in October, weather permitting. While the first concert of the season is held in Rev. Peter Atkins Park, all subsequent concerts are held at Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. After the show, be sure to visit Covington's eclectic shops and award-winning restaurants. Food or drink sales also may be available; an announcement will be made on the City of Covington Facebook page. If not, guests may bring ice chests/picnics/adult beverages if they wish.

Parking is free at nearby public parking oxlots and throughout the downtown neighborhoods. Please be sure not to block driveways. 

The City of Covington Office of Cultural Arts and Events is dedicated to providing residents and visitors with a variety of unique and exciting entertainment options. For more information, contact the City of Covington's Office of Cultural Arts and Events at (985) 892-1873 or visit https://www.covla.com/city-departments/cultural-arts-and-events/.