The Neville Brothers, the New Orleans-based family band whose pop music relevance extends from the dawn of rock 'n roll to the present day, will headline at the Stardust Resort and Casino May 30-June 1. The five-time Grammy Award winners will appear each night at 8 pm. in the Stardust's Wayne Newton Theater.

There has been a Neville brother on the music scene since 1953 when Art, then a 17-year-old keyboard prodigy, made his debut with the influential Hawketts in New Orleans. Younger siblings Charles, Cyril and Aaron eventually followed in his footsteps.

Each of the brothers enjoyed individual success before permanently joining forces in 1978. Their distinctive sound assimilates the jazz, blues, folk and rock traditions of their native city.

In his formative years, Art emulated local piano rockers Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. The Hawketts became the hottest band in New Orleans, clicking with a regional rhythm and blues hit, "Mardi Gras Mambo."

Art became the leader and enlisted brother Aaron, a gifted vocalist. In 1966, Aaron recorded one of the most popular singles of the decade, "Tell It Like It Is," which has survived as a soul music classic. Cyril joined later, adding his vocal and percussion skills. The group was relabeled Art Neville and the Neville Sounds, but another important name change was in the offing. Noted writer/producer Allen Toussaint persuaded Art to call the band the Meters. As the Meters, they became leaders of funk music craze of the late 1960s.

Under Toussaint's guidance, they recorded a string of top-selling singles that included "Cissy Strut," "Sophisticated Sissy," "Ease Back" and "Look-Ka Py Py." They enjoyed two hit albums, "Cabbage Alley" and "Rejuvenation." The Meters were named America's No. 1 rhythm and blues band two years in a row by both Billboard and Record World magazines. In 1973 they were featured on the Rolling Stones' "Tour Of The Americas." Two years later they starred at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Their music enhanced recordings by Paul McCartney, Patti LaBelle, Robert Palmer and Dr. John.

While his brothers were prospering with the Meters, Charles Neville was establishing his own reputation as a saxophonist of note. After learning his craft in bands that backed blues artists Big Maybelle, Jimmy Reed and Joe Turner, he settled in New York, becoming an important member of the city's jazz community.

The four Neville Brothers recorded their first album together in 1978. The collaboration launched more than two decades of continued prominence. Albums such as "Fiyo On The Bayou," "Yellow Moon" and "Valence Street" have enjoyed commercial and critical acclaim. In 1989, the Neville Brothers won the "Best Pop Instrumental Performance" Grammy for the song "Healing Chant." The group's trophy case also includes Aaron's three Grammys for duets with Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood and the Grammy awarded to Art when he teamed with B.B. King, Eric Clapton and others to record "SRV Shuffle."

Tickets to the Stardust show are $29.95 per person, plus tax. Ticket information can be obtained by calling the Stardust box office at 732-6325.

Wayne Newton, who appears at the Stardust 40 weeks a year, will return June 3.

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