Mardi Gras, The SuperBowl, New Orleans has some major celebrations going on right now but none more important to the essence of the city than Saturday night’s celebration of Art Neville’s 75th Birthday. The show was part of Tipitina’s 35th anniversary and celebrated the founder of both The Meters and The Neville Brothers and one of the city’s living treasures. Poppa Funk as he is known to fans around the world has been playing less shows of late but was in great spirits for this celebration. The band, billed as The Nevilles featured Art, Charles, Cyril, Ivan & Ian Neville as well as “Mean” Willie Green and Tony Hall. The Neville Brothers went on (temporary?) hiatus last year after a show at the Hollywood Bowl. The band was joined by special guests: Dr. John, original Neville Brothers guitarist Brian Stoltz & Dumpstaphunk’s Nikki Glaspie. New Orleans legend Deacon John was also in the crowd. Photos by Dino Perrucci