Rare Form Band Performing at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom in Boston, MA.

Rare Form Band (Boston) Musician Bios 2025.

If you want to be the best wedding and function band, then you need the best musicians. It's that simple. With our lineup upgrades in 2024, we now have the absolute BEST musicians in our entire 36-year history. They include international touring and session pros, a Broadway star, clinicians, teachers, and a Grammy nominee! See the bios of our base 6-peice band below. Then, visit our live audio page and our live video page to hear and see them LIVE!

Image of Jon Abrams: Rare Form Band: Band Leader, Male Lead Vocalist, Keyboard Player, Songwriter, Recording Artist, International Performing Artist.

Jon Abrams

Lead Vocalist, Keyboards, Band Leader

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Jon Abrams became an internationally recognized performing musician when he starred as the ‘Piano Man’ in the acclaimed touring production of the Broadway musical, “Movin’ Out” – which featured the music of Billy Joel. Among the many Joel hits, Jon routinely performed difficult pieces like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” showcasing his amazing piano and vocal abilities.

Jon is also a singer/songwriter and performs in his own Billy Joel tribute band called “The Strangers” (with most of the lineup from Rare Form Band). As band leader, he has built the current version of Rare Form into a juggernaut by hand-picking the highest quality performing artists. Jon also adds his unique style and flair to Rare Form Band and he's an integral part of the band’s excellence.

Image of Mchelle Brooks-Thompson: Rare Form Band Female Lead Vocalist - Grammy Nominated Singer, The Voice Finalist

Michelle Brooks-Thompson

Lead Vocalist

As co-lead singer for Rare Form Band, Michelle Brooks-Thompson was a Finalist on NBC’s The Voice, a Grand Champion Winner at Showtime at the Apollo, and in 2024 was nominated for a Grammy for her contributing work on the album "The Fury," by Antonio Vergara.

Michelle has a voice with an immense range that is soulful, dynamic, and versatile. On The Voice, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine (her coach) considered her to have, "a supernatural singing ability and a powerful vocal tone.” Frankly, we think that might be an understatement.

No matter, Michelle’s amazing voice, upbeat stage presence and her bluesy and gospel-infused style will captivate any audience.

Image of Dino Monoxelos, Bass Playet for Rare Form Band

Dino Monoxelos

Bassist

Dino started playing bass in his high school jazz band and by 17 was playing professionally in the active New England music scene. Dino then moved to Los Angeles, where he began performing and recording, and also studying/teaching at the Musician's Institute of California. He has published four bass instructional books, published articles in Bass Player Magazine, produced numerous instructional videos and conducts bass playing clinics. He has also  performed and recorded with various well-known and "up-and-coming" artists throughout the world.

Dino also works for Ampeg Corporation and is affectionately known to the worldwide bass playing community (on his podcasts) as "The Ampeg Guy." Most importantly, Dino brings well-honed skills to Rare Form Band for the one-two punch that makes up our outstanding rhythm section.


Image of session and touring drummer/persusionist and vocalist Stephen Dow. He's also a top-30 Internationally-ranked WFD speed drummer.

Stephen Dow

Drummer/Vocalist

Steve is an accomplished professional drummer and vocalist who's toured and recorded with Rick Berthoud's Persuader Band (original R&B), with MCA recording artist, multi CMT and Juno Award winner, Joan Kennedy (country), and Boston's own "Safety in Numbers" (original rock). He's also recorded and performed with many "up-and-coming" artists, and is an internationally-ranked WFD speed drummer (top 30-hands). He's been based out of Austin, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and currently the Greater Boston area.

Steve's singing and playing capabilities include Jazz, Big Band, Fusion, R&B, Soul, Motown, Blues, Funk, Latin, Country, Rock, and Contemporary Pop - the perfect fit for Rare Form Band.

Image of Carl Ayotte: Rare Form Band Sax Player, Backing and Lead Vocalist, Acoustic Guitar Player, Songwriter and Recording Artist.

Carl Ayotte

Sax, Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica, Keys, Ukulele, Percussion, Irish Penny Whistle

Carl attended UMass Lowell as a music major and has built a solid career as a highly respected, multi-talented musician, singer, and songwriter. His credits are too lengthy to mention here, but he has led, performed with, and recorded with numerous original artists and bands throughout New England.

In Rare Form Band, Carl may seem to be "only" the band's saxophone player and vocalist, but no. His multi-instrumental skills and incredible voice add greatly to the unique sound of the band. Carl's original music can be found on iTunes and many other online music stores.

Image of Matt Fetters: Rare Form Band Rhythm and Electric Guitar Player and Recording Artist.

Matt Fetters

Lead and Rhythm Guitar

Born and raised in Lowell Massachusetts, Matt actually began his musical career as a woodwind player. However, he switched to the guitar and began playing professionally in regional New England clubs and other larger venues.

His years of study at Berklee College of Music and professional playing experience have made Matt an incredibly versatile guitarist who excels in a wide range of musical styles - and he enjoys them all. His skill and musicality truly bring both tastefulness and energy to Rare Form Band.