Funky Meters

Formed during an informal jam during the 1989 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Art Neville, George Porter Jr and Russel Batiste Jr founded what would be the core of the funky METERS. The history of this native New Orleans band dates back to 1967, when keyboardist Art Neville recruited George Porter, Jr., Joseph (Zigaboo) Modeliste and Leo Nocentelli to form The Meters. In their 31-year history, The Meters have grooved their way around the globe. They have toured with such talents as The Rolling Stones, and have been a studio band for such diverse artists as Dr. John, Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, and Patti Labelle.

In 1994, the band was joined by guitarist Brian Stoltz and officially christened the Funky METERS. This lineup carried the funk torch until the spring of 2007 when Stoltz left to pursue his solo career and Ian Neville, the son of Meters founder Art Neville joined the line up taking over guitar duties. Growing up in the Neville house of music and touring with The Neville Brothers, as well Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Ian was poised to step in to help bring the band into the future.

The collective resume between the four artists in the band speaks volumes for the level of musicianship and creativity that comes alive when they play together on any stage. After three years of solid touring including dates at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Jamcruise, The Fillmore Auditorium San Francisco, Fuji Rock Festival, The Hangout Festival and countless others, the funky METERS are stronger than ever. In fact, the funk is still going as strong today as it was 40 plus years ago.