- Hip-hop legend Master P will be backed by the iconic brass band The Soul Rebels for the first time ever.
- Galactic will host a special set featuring legendary “Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas, alongside singers Jelly Joseph, Erica Falls, and Maggie Koerner.
- The three-day festival (Oct. 17-19) is packed with unique collaborations, including tributes to Sly Stone, James Brown, and The Wild Tchoupitoulas.
- The event, held at Spanish Plaza, is designed to showcase one-of-a-kind presentations of New Orleans music.
NOLA Funk Fest Unveils Epic Lineup with Unprecedented Collaborations
New Orleans is set for an unforgettable musical experience as the 2025 NOLA Funk Fest has announced a lineup filled with once-in-a-lifetime collaborations. The three-day festival, running from October 17-19 at Spanish Plaza, is breaking new ground by pairing iconic local artists for unique, must-see performances. Headlining the event are two monumental sets: hip-hop mogul Master P performing with The Soul Rebels and funk-jam band Galactic sharing the stage with the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” Irma Thomas.
Despite recently holding a “farewell” performance at the Essence Festival, Percy “Master P” Miller is proving he still has more to give. For the first time in his career, the No Limit Records founder will be backed by The Soul Rebels, a band renowned for blending New Orleans brass traditions with hip-hop. This historic collaboration is central to the festival’s mission of creating unique musical showcases that celebrate the city’s rich heritage.
A Festival Built on Unique Pairings
Produced by the Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience (LMHE), the NOLA Funk Fest aims to highlight the city’s culture by orchestrating special musical presentations. “Using our greatest natural resources in combination to highlight how amazing our culture and music are is our goal,” said LMHE board chair Chris Beary.
The festival kicks off Friday with a memorial second-line for the late drummer Russell Batiste Jr. and features an all-star collaboration called the Mississippi River Revival, with members of Galactic, the North Mississippi Allstars, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The night closes with Dumpstaphunk performing a special tribute to the music of Sly Stone.
Star-Studded Weekend Performances
Saturday’s Hip-Hop and Funk Fusion
The energy continues Saturday with a series of special guest appearances. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph will join Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and Jennifer Hartswick will sit in with the New Orleans Suspects. The evening culminates with the highly anticipated headlining performance by Master P and The Soul Rebels, promising a groundbreaking fusion of styles.
A Legendary Sunday Finale
Sunday’s roster is even more packed with legendary talent. The day includes a tribute to James Brown led by Dumpstaphunk’s Tony Hall with Parliament-Funkadelic trombonist Fred Wesley. Fans will also witness the debut of Funky Meters 2.0, featuring George Porter Jr. and Ivan Neville.
Another landmark performance will see Galactic joined by four incredible female vocalists they have worked with over the years: Irma Thomas, Jelly Joseph, Erica Falls, and Maggie Koerner. The festival will close with Cyril Neville’s 50th-anniversary celebration of the iconic Wild Tchoupitoulas album, a cornerstone of New Orleans music history.
Tickets are available now, with special pricing for Louisiana residents, students, and first responders. For more information, visit nolafunkfest.com.
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