The Meters Day In New Orleans: Read The Official Mayoral Proclamation [Photos/Videos]

For decades, The Meters have been seen by many as the unofficial embodiment of the New Orleans funk sound, the architects of a groove that has powered countless evolutions in popular music for generations. On Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, ahead of the group’s highly anticipated reunion show at New Orleans’ storied Saenger Theatre, the city made it official: By mayoral decree, henceforth, this day would be known as “The Meters Day.”

Before their instant-classic show began, surviving original members George Porter Jr., Leo Nocentelli, and Zigaboo Modeliste stood shoulder-to-shoulder onstage alongside Arthel Neville, the daughter of late co-founder Art Neville, and Cyril Neville, Art’s brother and later-years Meters member, as a delegation from the office of the mayor of New Orleans delivered the official announcement.

The performance that followed proved worthy of the day’s significance. After working through classics with Ivan Neville, Art Neville’s nephew and a local music legend in his own right via Dumpstaphunk, a three-piece horn section (trombonist Alex Wasily, trumpeter Ashlin Parker, saxophonist Jason Mingledorff), and a four-piece vocal ensemble (Pesuky Nocentelli, Elise Testone, Phillip Manuel, and Earl Smith), The Meters gradually collected a long list of high-profile guests including Oteil Burbridge, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi. Read a full recap of the performance featuring photos, videos, setlist, and more here.

Below, watch The Meters receive the honor onstage at the Saenger Theatre and read the full text of Mayor Helena Moreno‘s proclamation of May 2nd, 2026 as The Meters Day in New Orleans. Scroll down to view an extensive gallery of photos from The Meters Day at the Saenger via Erika Molleck Goldring.

The Meters Day in New Orleans (5/2/26) – Official Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, the City of New Orleans, globally known as a beacon of culture, rhythm, and soul, takes great pride in recognizing the artists whose music has shaped not only our local identity but the soundscape of the world;

and WHEREAS, The Meters, formed in New Orleans in 1965, have long stood as architects of funk, blending incomparable grooves, rhythms, and unmistakable style into a sound born from the very streets of this city;

and WHEREAS, the original members, Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr., and Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, crafted a musical legacy that has influenced generations of musicians across genres including funk, jazz, rock, and hip hop, while producing timeless compositions such as “Hey Pocky A Way” that capture the spirit and vibrancy of New Orleans;

and WHEREAS, The Meters served as the foundational band for numerous legendary recordings and performances, supporting icons such as Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, further cementing New Orleans as a cornerstone of American music;

and WHEREAS, their innovative rhythms and grooves have been widely sampled and celebrated, ensuring that the heartbeat of New Orleans continues to echo through modern music worldwide;

and WHEREAS, beyond their musical achievements, The Meters embody the creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride that define the people of New Orleans and reflect the enduring legacy of the city’s rich musical heritage.

Now, Therefore, I, Helena Moreno, Mayor of the City of New Orleans, do hereby recognize and proclaim May 2, 2026, as The Meters Day in the City of New Orleans for their extraordinary contributions to music and culture, extend deepest gratitude for their role in shaping the sound and soul of our city, and hereby proclaim this day as “The Meters Day” in New Orleans, encouraging all residents to celebrate their enduring legacy and the vibrant cultural heritage they represent.