Pop Smart - See & Do: Music: Dumpstaphunk

Second-generation Neville brother Ivan Neville has in record time made his DUMPSTAPHUNK outfit the premier funk band in New Orleans. The keyboardist, who often fills in for his uncle Art in the Neville Brothers, leads a stellar lineup featuring syncopation freak (and Dirty Dozen alum) Raymond Webber on drums and the stinging guitar licks of cousin Ian. The 2007 EP, Listen Hear, offers funk as politics (or politics as funk) reminiscent of the Neville Brothers and Meters: “You might as well have a good time ... there might not be a next time,” Ivan howls on “Meanwhile.” It’s all punctuated by a spot-on horn section that sets Dumpstaphunk above New Orleans’ formidable funk community, and reassures us that the Nevilles indeed are a family tradition. The band stops off in Atlanta Wed., JUNE 11, before heading up to this weekend’s Bonnaroo festival. Local funkster Goldenfro opens. $15. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com.

(Photo courtesy Dumpstaphunk)