New Orleans’ Jon Cleary kicks off this season’s “Big Easy in Buffalo” series next Thursday (Sept. 13). Taking a break from touring with Bonnie Raitt as her keyboard player and songwriter, Cleary comes to town with his band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen. Jon Cleary is what is known as a triple-threat: Great voice, famed piano skills and a knack for composing tracks with infectious hooks. These skills are best evidenced on the band’s 2004 LP, the funky Pin Your Spin (Basin Street Records), and of course at his live performances. The Big Easy in Buffalo series is hosted by the Tralf Music Hall (with a few exceptions) and will present six shows between September and February. Thursday’s show starts at 9:30pm at the Tralf. Visit www.bigeasybuffalo.com for a full schedule and venue information.