The Meters Announce Jazz Fest After Show

The Meters will return to the Orpheum Theater for a Jazz Fest after show on Saturday, April 29. The gig will mark the second year in a row that the band has headlined the venue during New Orleans’ iconic festival. The funk pioneers will once again be joined by Ivan Neville and a horn section consisting of Tony Griffin, Jeff Albert, Khris Royal and Clarence Johnson III, just as they were during last year’s stellar, guest-filled performance.

Tickets for the show are on sale now.

The Meters last reunited two weeks ago with a pair of headlining sets on Jam Cruise, which found them joined by Ivan Neville, Cyril Neville and horn section that included Ryan Zoidis, Eric “Benny” Bloom, Erion Williams and Paul Robertson (as well as special guests like Erica Falls and Kamasi Washington). Those shows also honored the group’s 50th anniversary, though bassist George Porter took things a step further when he renewed his wedding vows with his wife, Ara, in celebration of their 50th anniversary.

Prior to Jam Cruise, The Meters last reunion had been their 2016 Jazz Fest stint at the Orpheum. That outing featured guest appearances by Cyril Neville, Trombone Shorty, Warren Haynes, Grace Potter and the late Bernie Worrell. 

The newly announced Orpheum show will take place one week before The Meters take the stage at the Fair Grounds for the first time in two years on Sunday, May 7–the final day of Jazz Fest. It’s something of a big deal, as the festival saw fit to put the band on this year’s official Jazz Fest poster.