Dumpstaphunk will headline the inaugural Sober Fest, New Orleans’ very first alcohol-free music festival sponsored by Bridge House/Grace House. The legendary band will hit the stage at Mardi Gras World’s River City Plaza on Saturday, November 12.
Dumpstaphunk stands out amongst New Orleans’ best, cementing themselves as one of the funkiest bands to ever emerge from the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and descended from Neville and Meters family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship through complex funk, rock, and jazz arrangements accompanied by soulful melodies and Big Easy traditions.
“Sober Fest aims to raise awareness that recovery is possible and fun in recovery is achievable,” said Else Pederson, CEO of Bridge House/Grace House. “We were founded on the principle that on one can attain and maintain sobriety without having basic needs met, and that includes providing safe spaces for entertainment. In a city that hosts numerous festivals, where music is celebrated, we are excited to bring the first dry festival to the community.”
The lineup of performers will also include Camile Baudoin of The Radiators, Cha Wa and the Trombone Shorty Academy Brass Band. Baudoin, a member of The Radiators for 33 years, has overcome his own struggle with addiction and he voiced excitement to be part of this this first of its kind festival.
For the past 17 years, Dumpstaphunk has earned its reputation as the most well-regarded next- generation New Orleanse powerhouse, the type of band whose live shows attract sit-ins from legends like Carlos Santana, Bob Weir and Trombone Shorty. Their success has also led them to opening for the Rolling Stones at the Superdome in July 2019 and more recently, finishing up a 20-plus date U.S. tour with Trombone Shorty on his Voodoo Threauxdown, which included Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia and Soul Rebels in summer 2022.
Dumpstaphunk has performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival every year since 2001 and continues to tour all over the world. The band just released their fourth studio album, Where Do We Go From Here, on April 23, featuring Marcus King, Trombone Shorty and Chali 2Na, and it is now available on double-bronze vinyl, CD and all digital platforms. Dumpstaphunk culled material from many different sources over the past few years, creating during downtime and rare off-tour cycle stop-gaps at various studios in New Orleans.
Admission to Sober Fest is free, but registration is encouraged here. The family-friendly festival will include a kids tent, a variety of food trucks and vendors, as well as mocktail options to purchase from local vendors.
Proceeds from Sober Fest will go directly toward Bridge House/Grace House’s mission to provide treatment to men and women at no cost. Bridge House/Grace House treats predominantly homeless, indigent, uninsured and unemployed men and women. In 2021, 861 individuals were treated through the organization’s services.
