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For decades,\u00a0The Meters<\/strong> 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\u2019s highly anticipated reunion show at New Orleans\u2019 storied Saenger Theatre<\/strong>, the city made it official: By mayoral decree, henceforth, this day would be known as \u201cThe Meters Day.\u201d<\/p>\n Before their instant-classic show began, surviving original members George Porter Jr<\/strong>.<\/strong>,\u00a0Leo Nocentelli<\/strong>, and\u00a0Zigaboo Modeliste<\/strong> stood shoulder-to-shoulder onstage alongside Arthel Neville<\/strong>, the daughter of late co-founder\u00a0Art Neville<\/strong>, and\u00a0Cyril Neville<\/strong>, Art\u2019s brother and later-years Meters member, as a delegation from the office of the mayor of New Orleans delivered the official announcement.<\/p>\n Related: Tracing The Genetic Code Of New Orleans Funk Music<\/a><\/p>\n The performance that followed proved worthy of the day\u2019s significance. After working through classics with\u00a0Ivan Neville, <\/strong>Art Neville\u2019s nephew and a local music legend in his own right via Dumpstaphunk, a\u00a0three-piece horn section (trombonist Alex Wasily<\/strong>, trumpeter\u00a0Ashlin Parker<\/strong>, saxophonist\u00a0Jason Mingledorff<\/strong>), and a four-piece vocal ensemble (Pesuky Nocentelli<\/strong>,\u00a0Elise Testone<\/strong>,\u00a0Phillip Manuel<\/strong>, and\u00a0Earl Smith<\/strong>), The Meters gradually collected a long list of high-profile guests including Oteil Burbridge<\/strong>,\u00a0Warren Haynes<\/strong>,\u00a0Derek Trucks<\/strong>, and\u00a0Susan Tedeschi<\/strong>. Read a full recap of the performance featuring photos, videos, setlist, and more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Below, watch The Meters receive the honor onstage at the Saenger Theatre and read the full text of Mayor Helena Moreno<\/strong>\u2018s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Meters Day in New Orleans (5\/2\/26) \u2013 Official Mayoral Proclamation\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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; <\/em><\/p>\n and <\/em>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; <\/em><\/p>\n and <\/em>WHEREAS, the original members, Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr., and Joseph \u201cZigaboo\u201d 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 \u201cHey Pocky A Way\u201d that capture the spirit and vibrancy of New Orleans; <\/em><\/p>\n and <\/em>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; <\/em><\/p>\n and <\/em>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;<\/em><\/p>\n and W<\/em>HEREAS, 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\u2019s rich musical heritage.<\/em><\/p>\n Now, Therefore, I, Helena Moreno, Mayor of the City of New Orleans, <\/em>do hereby recognize and proclaim May 2, 2026, as <\/em>The Meters Day <\/em>in the City of New Orleans for their extraordinary contributions to music and culture, extend deepest gratitude for <\/em>their role in shaping the sound and soul of our city, and hereby proclaim this day as \u201cThe Meters Day\u201d in New Orleans, <\/em>encouraging all residents to celebrate their enduring legacy and the vibrant cultural heritage they represent.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n
The Meters w\/ Cyril, Derek, Susan, Warren, Oteil, & More, ft. The Heavyweights | Saenger Theatre | New Orleans, LA | 5\/2\/26 | Photos: Erika Molleck Goldring<\/h2>\n<\/section><\/div>\n