Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk (courtesy Laura Bergerol Photography)
Some JazzFest purists will bemoan the intrusion of non-jazz acts at Da Fest, but nobody complains when Dumpstaphunk takes the stage. Ivan Neville put together an all-star group to play at Jazz Fest in 2003. The band plays Jazz Fest annually as well as other festivals. Along with Ivan on keyboards, the band features two bass guitarists, Tony Hall and Nick Daniels, III. Ian Neville plays guitar, and Nikki Glaspie drums. All but Ian share lead vocals duties, delivering New Orleans funk that peels paint off of walls. You’ll hear solid, old-school funk in the tradition of The Meters and Parliament/Funkadelic, but Dumpstaphunk is not a static concept; the band brings gospel, blues, and a bit of rock-n-roll into the mix. Dumpstaphunk tap family and friends regularly; Troy Andrews, as well as the Rebirth Brass Band, perform on their new CD (scheduled for a May release).
Ms. Lil (left) of Lil’s BBQ, holding her signature BBQ Chicken Sandwich (courtesy NOLA.com)
What better to pair with down-to-earth New Orleans Funk than BBQ Chicken! Ms. Lil of Lil’s BBQ in Slidell has been with the Fest for over 35 years, serving her famous BBQ chicken, both on the bone, and as a sandwich. That’s BBQ that’ll stick to you like Dumpstaphunk’s sound!