Ana Popovic & “Fantastafunk”

Ana Popovic Brings “Fantastafunk” Firepower to Atlantic City as Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk Continues Its Summer Celebration

The Jersey Shore has long been a destination where music and summer become inseparable. From legendary clubs and beachfront festivals to boardwalk performances and community concerts, live music remains one of the defining sounds of a New Jersey summer. Along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, that tradition takes center stage once again as Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk continues its celebrated 2026 season with one of its most anticipated performances of the summer.

On Wednesday, July 1, the energy shifts into high gear when internationally acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Ana Popovic brings her explosive “Fantastafunk” production to Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City. Joining the evening’s festivities will be the Ocean Avenue Stompers alongside special guest Brian Murray of Dogs In A Pile, creating a unique musical experience that blends world-class blues-rock, deep funk grooves, New Orleans-inspired brass traditions, and the improvisational spirit that has become synonymous with the Jersey Shore music scene.

The performance serves as the second major event of the eleven-week Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk series, a free concert program presented every Wednesday evening throughout the summer. Produced by Tony Mart Presents, the concert series has become one of South Jersey’s signature seasonal traditions, drawing thousands of music lovers to Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk for evenings filled with live entertainment, community celebration, and oceanfront excitement.

Few artists arriving on the Kennedy Plaza stage this summer possess a résumé as impressive as Ana Popovic.

For more than two decades, Popovic has established herself as one of the most respected guitarists and performers in contemporary blues, funk, and rock music. Originally emerging from the European blues scene before building an international following, she has developed a reputation for combining technical brilliance with high-energy performances that consistently captivate audiences across continents.

Her career has taken her to major festivals, renowned concert halls, and celebrated music venues around the globe. Along the way, she has earned recognition not simply as an exceptional guitarist, but as a complete performer capable of seamlessly blending blues traditions with modern funk, soul, jazz, and rock influences.

The Fantastafunk project represents the culmination of those influences.

Rather than presenting a traditional blues show, Popovic’s Fantastafunk experience expands into a larger musical celebration that incorporates a full ensemble featuring horns, rhythm sections, and layered arrangements designed to create an immersive concert experience. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of American funk, Southern soul, and New Orleans rhythm and blues, the production showcases the versatility that has made Popovic one of the most dynamic artists performing today.

Audiences can expect a performance built around infectious grooves, powerful vocals, soaring guitar solos, and the kind of musical chemistry that only develops among elite performers.

The Fantastafunk concept has become particularly popular because it transforms concerts into events. The music encourages movement, participation, and celebration while still delivering the virtuosity and musicianship that dedicated fans have come to expect from Popovic’s performances.

That spirit aligns perfectly with the atmosphere of Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk.

Inspired by the festive traditions of New Orleans, the Atlantic City concert series embraces an approach that emphasizes community gathering, shared experiences, and musical discovery. The oceanfront setting provides a spectacular backdrop while the open-air environment encourages audiences to immerse themselves fully in the performance.

The addition of the Ocean Avenue Stompers enhances that atmosphere even further.

Known for their brassy, energetic approach to live performance, the Ocean Avenue Stompers have built a reputation for bringing authentic New Orleans street parade energy to audiences throughout the region. Their combination of traditional brass band influences and contemporary performance styles creates an experience that feels equally at home on Bourbon Street or the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Their participation transforms the evening into more than a concert.

It becomes a celebration.

The group’s ability to generate excitement through rhythm, movement, and audience interaction perfectly complements the Fantastafunk aesthetic while reinforcing the Mardi Gras identity that defines the series.

Adding another layer of excitement is the appearance of special guest Brian Murray from Dogs In A Pile.

In recent years, Dogs In A Pile has emerged as one of New Jersey’s most exciting musical success stories. The band has cultivated a rapidly growing national following thanks to its adventurous improvisational approach, diverse musical influences, and relentless touring schedule. Their connection to the Jersey Shore music community remains strong, making Murray’s appearance particularly meaningful for local audiences.

His participation underscores one of the most compelling aspects of the Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk series.

The concerts consistently bring together artists from different musical backgrounds, generations, and traditions while creating opportunities for unique collaborations that audiences might not experience elsewhere. These moments of musical crossover help distinguish the series from traditional concert programming and reinforce its role as a showcase for both established talent and emerging voices.

The July 1 event also highlights the broader mission behind Tony Mart Presents.

Under the leadership of Carmen Marotta, the organization has spent years preserving and advancing the musical culture of South Jersey through free community events and high-quality concert programming. The company’s roots trace back to the legendary Tony Mart nightclub in Somers Point, a venue that helped shape generations of musicians and music fans throughout the region.

Today, that legacy continues through events like Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk and the acclaimed Legacy Concerts on the Beach series.

These programs demonstrate that free public concerts can deliver exceptional artistic experiences while strengthening local communities and supporting regional tourism.

The economic and cultural impact of events like Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk cannot be overstated.

Each concert draws visitors to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, benefiting local businesses, restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions. At the same time, the events reinforce Atlantic City’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination while providing residents and visitors with accessible opportunities to experience world-class live music.

The free admission model remains particularly significant.

At a time when concert ticket prices continue to rise across the country, Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk maintains its commitment to accessibility. Families, visitors, longtime residents, and first-time attendees can all participate in the experience without financial barriers, ensuring that live music remains available to everyone.

That inclusivity has become one of the defining strengths of the series.

The audience often reflects the diversity of Atlantic City itself. Music fans arrive from throughout New Jersey, neighboring states, and beyond. Some attend specifically for the featured performers. Others discover the concerts while exploring the Boardwalk. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, energetic, and distinctly Jersey Shore.

As July begins and summer reaches full stride, the arrival of Ana Popovic and Fantastafunk represents a major highlight on the Atlantic City entertainment calendar.

The combination of internationally recognized talent, local musical excellence, New Orleans-inspired energy, and a stunning oceanfront setting creates the ingredients for a truly memorable evening.

For music lovers seeking exceptional live performance, for families searching for a summer night out, and for visitors looking to experience one of Atlantic City’s most vibrant cultural traditions, Kennedy Plaza will be the place to be on July 1.

As the sun begins to set over the Atlantic Ocean and the sounds of brass, funk, blues, and rock fill the Boardwalk air, Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk will once again remind audiences why live music remains one of the most powerful forces in community life.

For one unforgettable summer evening, Atlantic City becomes a meeting place where international artistry, Jersey Shore tradition, and New Orleans-inspired celebration come together in perfect harmony.

And with Ana Popovic leading the charge, audiences can expect an evening that is every bit as electrifying as the summer itself.