_Photo by Sam Hensen via Trombone Shorty’s Instagram Page_

Trombone Shorty closed out the main stage at Jazz Fest 2018 by paying tribute to the first family of funk and NOLA mainstays The Nevilles.

Trombone Shorty – aka Troy Andrews – reflected on the recent passing of saxophonist Charles Neville and he told the crowd that when he was a young musician the Neville Brothers embraced him, and even invited him close Jazz Fest on the very same stage.

Andrews then welcomed Ivan and Ian Neville (both from Dumpstaphunk) and Cyril Neville to join him for classic tunes like “Fire on the Bayou.” The familial spirit of Trombone Shorty’s set echoed Dumpstaphunk’s own tribute to Charles during their Saturday set, when they projected a picture of their uncle onstage and had simultaneous sit ins from saxophonists Skerik and Donald Harrison.

“Yesterday was for Charles Neville and all the musicians and artists who created New Orleans music,” Trombone Shorty later wrote on Instagram. “It was an honor to close out the 49th Jazz Fest on the Acura Stage. Thanks to everyone at the Fest, the Neville family for performing with us and everyone who came out to celebrate New Orleans.”