Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk, and the Legacy of Sly Stone

Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk, and the Legacy of Sly Stone Bring New Orleans Funk Power to Atlantic City’s Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk

As the summer concert season continues to deliver unforgettable nights along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, one of the most electrifying events on the calendar arrives on August 12 when Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk take center stage at Kennedy Plaza for a special celebration of the music of Sly & The Family Stone. Combining New Orleans funk royalty, one of America’s most respected modern groove bands, and a tribute to one of the most influential groups in music history, the evening promises to be a highlight of the 2026 Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk concert series.

Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic silhouette of Boardwalk Hall, the performance will bring together generations of musical innovation in a free public concert that captures everything the series has come to represent. Music lovers from across New Jersey and beyond will have the opportunity to experience a performance rooted in the rich traditions of funk, soul, rhythm and blues, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans.

At the center of the evening stands Ivan Neville, a musician whose family name is woven deeply into the fabric of American music. As a member of the legendary Neville family, Ivan has spent his life immersed in some of the most important musical traditions ever to emerge from Louisiana. His career has included collaborations with countless artists across multiple genres, but he is perhaps best known as a founding force behind Dumpstaphunk, the powerhouse ensemble that has become one of the premier funk bands in the world.

Few groups have done more to carry the New Orleans musical tradition into the twenty-first century than Dumpstaphunk. Since its formation, the band has built a devoted following through marathon performances, extraordinary musicianship, and an ability to transform every appearance into a communal celebration. Their sound blends classic New Orleans funk with contemporary influences while maintaining deep respect for the pioneers who laid the foundation for the genre.

That foundation owes a tremendous debt to Sly & The Family Stone.

The August 12 performance serves as a tribute to a group whose impact on popular music cannot be overstated. Long before genre-crossing became commonplace, Sly Stone and his groundbreaking band fused funk, soul, rock, gospel, psychedelia, and rhythm and blues into a revolutionary sound that changed the course of modern music. Their influence can be heard in virtually every genre that followed, from funk and disco to hip-hop, alternative rock, and contemporary pop.

Songs like “Everyday People,” “Dance to the Music,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” “Family Affair,” and countless others became cultural touchstones while redefining what popular music could be. Their messages of unity, individuality, social awareness, and celebration continue to resonate decades after their original release.

For Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk, honoring that catalog is both a tribute and a continuation of a musical conversation that has shaped generations of performers. Their interpretation of Sly Stone’s music comes not from imitation but from a deep understanding of the traditions, innovations, and rhythmic foundations that made those songs so transformative.

That approach promises to make the Atlantic City performance especially compelling.

Rather than simply recreating familiar recordings, Dumpstaphunk has built its reputation on reimagining music through extended improvisation, powerful grooves, and dynamic live arrangements. Audiences can expect beloved classics to be infused with the band’s signature energy while maintaining the spirit that made them iconic in the first place.

The setting itself adds another dimension to the experience.

Every Wednesday evening throughout the summer, Kennedy Plaza transforms into one of the region’s most vibrant live music destinations. Situated directly on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the venue combines the atmosphere of a festival, a community gathering, and a world-class concert experience. As thousands gather under the summer sky, the music becomes part of a larger celebration of culture, community, and the enduring power of live performance.

The Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk series has become one of New Jersey’s premier summer traditions by embracing exactly that philosophy. Inspired by the spirit and musical heritage of New Orleans, the series showcases artists who embody authenticity, creativity, and connection. The result is an event that feels both festive and meaningful, introducing audiences to legendary performers while celebrating the diverse roots of American music.

Behind the series stands Tony Mart Presents, the organization led by veteran promoter Carmen Marotta. Drawing inspiration from the historic Tony Mart nightclub in Somers Point, the concert series continues a long tradition of bringing exceptional live entertainment to South Jersey audiences. The original venue played an important role in the region’s musical history, and its legacy continues through events that prioritize community access and artistic excellence.

That commitment is evident throughout the 2026 season.

From classic rock legends and Grammy-winning blues artists to zydeco pioneers, soul icons, and New Orleans cultural ambassadors, the lineup reflects a deep appreciation for music that transcends trends. Each performance contributes to a broader celebration of the artists and traditions that have shaped the American musical landscape.

The August 12 concert stands as one of the season’s most significant examples of that mission.

By bringing together Ivan Neville, Dumpstaphunk, and the music of Sly & The Family Stone, the evening creates a bridge between multiple generations of musical innovation. It honors the past while embracing the present. It celebrates tradition while encouraging reinvention. Most importantly, it reminds audiences why great music continues to endure.

For Atlantic City, events like these further strengthen the city’s identity as one of the East Coast’s premier entertainment destinations. While the Boardwalk remains famous for its beaches, resorts, and historic attractions, live music has always been an essential part of its cultural identity. The success of Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk demonstrates that audiences continue to seek meaningful shared experiences rooted in exceptional artistry.

The free admission policy makes that experience accessible to everyone. Families, tourists, local residents, and dedicated music fans can all gather together without financial barriers, creating a diverse audience united by a shared appreciation for live performance. In an era when major concert tickets often come with premium price tags, the series offers something increasingly rare: world-class entertainment available to all.

As August 12 approaches, anticipation is expected to build among both longtime fans of Dumpstaphunk and those eager to hear the timeless songs of Sly & The Family Stone interpreted by one of funk’s most respected modern bands. The combination of musical pedigree, cultural significance, and Atlantic City’s unique atmosphere creates the ingredients for an unforgettable evening.

When Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk take the stage at Kennedy Plaza, they will do more than perform a concert. They will celebrate a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations. They will bring the sounds of New Orleans to the Jersey Shore. They will honor one of the most influential groups in popular music history. And they will remind everyone in attendance that the best live music experiences are not simply performances—they are shared moments that connect people through rhythm, soul, and joy.

For one summer night on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the spirit of New Orleans and the revolutionary sound of Sly Stone will come together in a celebration worthy of the Mardi Gras name, creating another unforgettable chapter in one of New Jersey’s most beloved concert traditions.