Mulberry Music Festival

“At St. Mary’s College, we value our liberal arts foundation – the diversity of thought and expression, creativity, and respect for self and others. We teach students how to express themselves in order to add color and life to our world in a way that only each unique individual can. In this spirit of creativity, I initiated the Mulberry Music Festival in order to bring people together around the universal language that is music.”

-Tuajuanda C. Jordan, President Emerita of St. Mary’s College

Dumpstaphunk

Dumpstaphunk has cemented its reputation as one of the most respected New Orleans musical institutions. Ivan Neville (keyboards/vocals) and Ian Neville (guitar), the sons of Aaron Neville and Art “Poppa Funk” Neville respectively, alongside original member Tony Hall (bass, guitar, vocals) have built upon their iconic NOLA legacy as they’ve transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city’s pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion export. Both in the studio and on the stage, their performances have attracted sit-ins from the likes of Carlos Santana, Flea, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Trombone Shorty, and members of Phish amongst many others.

With the 2024 passing of elder statesmen, local legend bassist/vocalist and co-founder of the band Nick Daniels III, the group continues its latest genesis with next generation additions including Deven Trusclair (drums), Alex Wasily (trombone), Ashlin Parker (trumpet), John Michael Bradford (trumpet), Ari Teitel (guitar) and Viveca Hawkins (vocals).

Critical acclaim and undeniable musicality permeate their 4 studio albums and opening slots for the Rolling Stones on their home turf at the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome (2019) and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest (2024). Modernizing and reinvigorating the influential Neville/Meters family groove has been one of the driving forces of Dumpstaphunk since the band spontaneously formed during JazzFest in 2003. Their original music and prolific live performances combine ingenious musicianship exercised within complex funk, rock, and R&B arrangements accompanied by soulful quadruple harmonies and Big Easy traditions.

Carly Harvey

Named “D.C.’s Queen of the Blues” by Dr. Nick Johnson of WPFW Radio, Carly Harvey ’07 was featured in Big City Blues magazine in 2018 as one of the youngest blues artists to watch. Carly is a dynamic Blues artist based in Washington, DC, known for her unique fusion of Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Indigenous American styles. As a performer and band leader, Carly has captivated audiences with her commanding stage presence and original sound. Her debut album Kamama reflects her dedication to her Afro-Indigenous roots and her belief in the power of music to heal, evolve, and connect us to the earth.

Kelly Bell Band

“Among the most genre-expanding acts on today’s blues scene. Who else can combine elements of hip-hop, funk, and blues - electrified here, Delta there, horn driven elsewhere - and still manage to sound sincere? A forward view of the way blues is transitioning in today’s scene…Bell’s an honest poet and an outstanding singer with lots to say.”
- Blues Revue Magazine

The KBB’s success has also been promoted by Bell’s presence in Baltimore. Bell is a regular on several area radio shows; performs as a professional wrestler; has written, recorded and acted in commercials; and has several television and movie appearances to his credit.