The Meters received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Big Easy Music Awards on Monday night. The ceremony and performance took place at New Orleans’ Harrah’s Theater and honored the city’s music in 2012. Founding Meters Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and George Porter, Jr. all attended the ceremony and, after an introduction from New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrie, took the stage to accept their award. Drummer Zigaboo Modeliste was unable to attend the ceremony but will perform with Porter and Nocentelli during JazzFest.

Onetime Meters producer Allen Toussaint sat in with The Creole String Beans for “Here Come the Girls” during the ceremony. Also of note, Anders Osborne won the Entertainer of the Year Award, Galactic were voted Best Funk Band, GIVERS received the Best Rock Band Award, Dumpstaphunk were voted 2013 Ambassadors of New Orleans Music, Dr. John took home Album of the Year and Soul Rebels accepted the honor of Best Contemporary Brass Band.

The funky Meters will perform at New Orleans’ Tipitina’s on May 3. They will also perform at Bridgeport, CT’s Gathering of the Vibes on July 25 as well as with Buddy Guy at Hollywood, CA’s Hollywood Bowl on August 21.