BRINGING THE PHUNK

Jazzfest always brings in all the musicians and many of them either come in early or stay over afterwards, doing gigs and just reconnecting with family, friends and other musicians in New Orleans
before going back out on the road.  Louisiana Music Factory always plays host to many bands throughout the two weeks at their in-store shows on their tiny stage in the middle of the store.  The place is always packed with people who want to get a chance to listen to the music and meet some of the artists.  My favorite gig this year was Dumpstaphunk, led by Ivan Neville who is the son of Aaron

 and featuring his cousin Ian Neville.  They rocked it out.  They also played a few days later at Lafayette Square to a much larger crowd.  All in all it was a Neville Week.  The next day I met Charles Neville,
one of the original Neville Brothers, standing in line behind me at the Postal emporium on Magazine Street.