John Medeski will fill in for Art Neville when the Funky Meters hit the road for a run of three shows this weekend.

The Medeski, Martin & Wood keyboardist will join the band—which normally features Neville, bassist George Porter Jr., guitarist Brian Stoltz and drummer Terrence Houston—for shows at Boulder, CO’s Fox Theatre (March 23), Ft. Lauderdale’s’ Parker Playhouse (March 24) and Cutler Bay, FL’s Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center (March 25). The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will also perform at both of the Florida gigs.

“Unfortunately, Art is under Doctor’s orders not to travel this weekend. We’re sending much love and light his way while he rests up!” reads a post on the Funky Meters’ Facebook page. While the 79-year-old keyboardist will surely be missed this weekend (we wish Poppa Funk the speediest of recoveries), it’s great that the group was able to score a top-notch backup on such short notice.

Tickets for the Funky Meters’ upcoming run are still on sale. The band will return to the stage in New Orleans on Friday, May 5 when they play a night show at Tipitina’s during Jazz Fest.

[H/T – JamBase.com]