Dumpstaphunk 

Dumpstaphunk was formed in New Orleans in 2003, bringing together Ivan Neville (son of Aaron Neville, nephew of Art and Cyril Neville of the Meters and Neville Brothers) and bassist Tony Hall in an ensemble that honored the deep funk tradition of their musical family while finding a heavier, more rock-inflected sound.

The band features two bass guitars and two drummers at full strength, creating a sonic density that is unique in the New Orleans scene. Their approach draws on the Meters, Parliament-Funkadelic, and the broader tradition of New Orleans rhythm, but filtered through the energy of a rock band.

They have become a festival staple, their performances at Jazz Fest and other major events building a devoted following who come for the relentless groove. Their recordings capture some of their energy, though like all the great New Orleans funk bands, they are best experienced live.

Dumpstaphunk are one of the clearest links between the classic New Orleans funk tradition and its contemporary evolution — a band that takes the music seriously as both a cultural inheritance and a living, developing art form.