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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T190000
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DTSTAMP:20260611T203518Z
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UID:95746-1782932400-1782948600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Ana Popovic & “Fantastafunk”
DESCRIPTION:Ana Popovic Brings “Fantastafunk” Firepower to Atlantic City as Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk Continues Its Summer Celebration \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nOn 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nFew artists arriving on the Kennedy Plaza stage this summer possess a résumé as impressive as Ana Popovic. \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nHer 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. \n\n\n\nThe Fantastafunk project represents the culmination of those influences. \n\n\n\nRather 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. \n\n\n\nAudiences 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nThat spirit aligns perfectly with the atmosphere of Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk. \n\n\n\nInspired 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. \n\n\n\nThe addition of the Ocean Avenue Stompers enhances that atmosphere even further. \n\n\n\nKnown 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. \n\n\n\nTheir participation transforms the evening into more than a concert. \n\n\n\nIt becomes a celebration. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nAdding another layer of excitement is the appearance of special guest Brian Murray from Dogs In A Pile. \n\n\n\nIn 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. \n\n\n\nHis participation underscores one of the most compelling aspects of the Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk series. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nThe July 1 event also highlights the broader mission behind Tony Mart Presents. \n\n\n\nUnder 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. \n\n\n\nToday\, that legacy continues through events like Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk and the acclaimed Legacy Concerts on the Beach series. \n\n\n\nThese programs demonstrate that free public concerts can deliver exceptional artistic experiences while strengthening local communities and supporting regional tourism. \n\n\n\nThe economic and cultural impact of events like Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk cannot be overstated. \n\n\n\nEach 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. \n\n\n\nThe free admission model remains particularly significant. \n\n\n\nAt 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. \n\n\n\nThat inclusivity has become one of the defining strengths of the series. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nAs July begins and summer reaches full stride\, the arrival of Ana Popovic and Fantastafunk represents a major highlight on the Atlantic City entertainment calendar. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nAnd with Ana Popovic leading the charge\, audiences can expect an evening that is every bit as electrifying as the summer itself.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/ana-popovic-fantastafunk/
LOCATION:Atlantic City at Kennedy Plaza\, 2300-\, 2498 Boardwalk\, Atlantic City\, New Jersey\, 08401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/web-900-x-600-2019-20-Ana-Popovic-showblock.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tony Mart Presents":MAILTO:tonymartcares@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T190000
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DTSTAMP:20260612T152812Z
CREATED:20260612T152811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T152812Z
UID:95954-1782932400-1782948600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Ivan Neville\, Dumpstaphunk\, and the Legacy of Sly Stone
DESCRIPTION:Ivan Neville\, Dumpstaphunk\, and the Legacy of Sly Stone Bring New Orleans Funk Power to Atlantic City’s Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nSet 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. \n\n\n\nAt 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. \n\n\n\nFew 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. \n\n\n\nThat foundation owes a tremendous debt to Sly & The Family Stone. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nSongs 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. \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nThat approach promises to make the Atlantic City performance especially compelling. \n\n\n\nRather 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. \n\n\n\nThe setting itself adds another dimension to the experience. \n\n\n\nEvery 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nBehind 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. \n\n\n\nThat commitment is evident throughout the 2026 season. \n\n\n\nFrom 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. \n\n\n\nThe August 12 concert stands as one of the season’s most significant examples of that mission. \n\n\n\nBy 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. \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nWhen 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. \n\n\n\nFor 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.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/ivan-neville-dumpstaphunk-and-the-legacy-of-sly-stone/
LOCATION:Atlantic City at Kennedy Plaza\, 2300-\, 2498 Boardwalk\, Atlantic City\, New Jersey\, 08401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Tony Mart Presents":MAILTO:tonymartcares@gmail.com
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