Dumpstaphunk stands out amongst New Orleans' best, cementing themselves as one of the funkiest bands to ever arise from the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and descended from Neville and Meters family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship through complex funk, rock, and jazz arrangements accompanied by soulful melodies and Big Easy traditions.  The band just released their 4th studio album Where Do We Go From Here on April 23, 2021 featuring Marcus King, Trombone Shorty and Chali 2Na, and is now available on double bronze vinyl, CD and all digital platforms. Dumpstaphunk culled material from many different sources over the past few years, creating during downtime and rare off tour cycle stop-gaps at various studios in New Orleans: some songs were born on-the-spot in the studio, others as a drum beat or a groove at sound-check. A few were simply covers that were already in the band’s live repertoire. The songwriting was largely collaborative, with all band-members contributing their own respective stylistic nuances.   Dumpstaphunk has cemented its reputation as one of the most respected New Orleans musical institutions. Ivan Neville (keyboards/vocals) and Ian Neville (guitar), the sons of Aaron Neville and Art “Poppa Funk” Neville respectively, alongside original member Tony Hall (bass, guitar, vocals) have built upon their iconic NOLA legacy as they’ve transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city’s pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion export.  Both in the studio and on the stage, their performances have attracted sit-ins from the likes of Carlos Santana, Flea, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Trombone Shorty, and members of Phish amongst many others.   With the 2024 passing of elder statesmen, local legend bassist/vocalist and co-founder of the band Nick Daniels III, the group continues its latest genesis with next generation additions including Deven Trusclair (drums), Alex Wasily (trombone), Ashlin Parker (trumpet), John Michael Bradford (trumpet), Ari Teitel (guitar) and Viveca Hawkins (vocals).  Critical acclaim and undeniable musicality permeate their 4 studio albums and opening slots for the Rolling Stones on their home turf at the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome (2019) and New Orleans Jazz & Heritag Fest (2024). Modernizing and reinvigorating the influential Neville/Meters family groove has been one of the driving forces of Dumpstaphunk since the band spontaneously formed during JazzFest in 2003. Their original music and prolific live performances combine ingenious musicianship excercised within complex funk, rock, and R&B arrangements accompanied by soulful quadruple harmonies and Big Easy traditions.

Wasabi was founded in 1998 in Arcata CA. Originally the band consisted of the Work Brothers Ron and Alex on guitars and drums and bass player Matt Robinson. In 2000 the band moved to Santa Cruz CA. Around 2001 the band expanded to include keyboardist Mike Emerson. In 2005 Matt Robinson moved to Sacramento CA to help start the Jazz Studies Program at Sacramento State College and Mike Emerson moved on to a long continuous career as a touring keys player and is currently playing with the Tommy Castro Band. In 2005 the stars aligned and local Santa Cruz bass wunderkind Dan Robbins joined the Brothers Work on their musical quest. Since 2005 Ron and Alex Work along with bass player Dan Robbins have been bringing their unique version of music to crowds all over.  The power trio plays primarily original music, with a few select covers, rooted in a meld of funk/rock/jazz/world/hip hop/dance music.  Wasabi’s tunes draw from the personal journeys of its members and a revolving collection of special guests who frequently sit in on various instruments and vocals.  The music is creative and fun with unique twists and turns and lends itself to dancing as well as contemplative listening.  The band denies being put into one genre. The music is an exploration and everything is on the table for compositional possibilities. Wasabi has toured the Pacific Northwest numerous times as well as Alaska.  The band played the 58th edition of the Monterey Jazz Fest in 2015. The majority of the bands playing is at local events in Santa Cruz and the various Santa Cruz Mountains communities.   Wasabi has shared the stage with lots of great artists and bands such as:  Maceo Parker, Lee Scratch Perry, Trey Gunn Band, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Bunny Wailer, Rockin Teenage Combo, The Living Daylights and Dick Dale.