Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura, Sept. 26

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Trombone Shorty Foundation (TSF) announced today that it will present its eighth annual flagship celebration of music with a new spin –  “Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura” will air on Saturday, September 26th at 8 PM CST, brought to you by the Trombone Shorty Foundation with the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. The virtual event will be free to stream and feature a historic performance by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – the band’s first show since the COVID-19 pandemic began – along with Galactic, Anders Osborne, Tank and the Bangas and The Soul Rebels, plus students from the Trombone Shorty Academy and additional special guests!

Hosted by News With a Twist’s LeBron Joseph aka “LBJ,” Virtual Shorty Fest will stream for a national audience on the Trombone Shorty Foundation website, Trombone Shorty Facebook and Youtube page, and be broadcast locally on WNOL-Nola 38. Donations to the Trombone Shorty Foundation can be made by visiting www.paypal.me/shortyfoundation or texting “give” to (504) 509-5010. All proceeds from the event support the foundation’s educational programs, which keep students learning and musicians working.

“We really need Shorty Fest right now, and our determination to pass on our precious musical culture to the younger generation has never been more important,” said Bill Taylor, Executive Director of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. “This Virtual Shorty Fest is about supporting the students, the mentors, the musicians, our community, our culture and what New Orleans means to the world. We appreciate all of those who have made this event possible, including the continued support of Acura brand and have invited everyone to celebrate it all.”

The foundation’s mission of transforming young lives through music education and mentorship while preserving the city’s cultural heritage is more important now than ever. As the city’s musical community faces an ongoing crisis with no performances and incoming revenue for the foreseeable future, Virtual Shorty Fest offers a glimmer of hope when it is desperately needed.

“When I was young, I learned from musical legends in my neighborhood, Treme,” said founder and namesake Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. “I wanted to start this foundation to give young musicians the same opportunities that New Orleans gave me. The challenges are real right now, but we know that our music, culture and community will see us through, and Virtual Shorty Fest will honor how important that is.”

Acura has been a proud sponsor of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for over 20 years, the automotive partner of the Trombone Shorty Foundation for the past six years and presenting sponsor of “Shorty Fest,” the Shorty Foundation’s largest fundraising event. Acura’s sponsorship of the Shorty Foundation helps support traditional jazz music education, instruction, mentorship and performance in New Orleans, empowering young musicians to continue the musical traditions of the jazz legends before them.

“Now, more than ever, we need to keep the music playing in New Orleans, and Acura is proud to help bring Shorty Fest to life in this new virtual format,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and Acura brand officer. “Acura has been supporting jazz and the musical heritage of New Orleans for over two decades now, and as part of that we’re committed to helping create awareness for the Trombone Shorty Foundation and opportunities for the next-generation of NOLA jazz artists.”

Shorty Fest is produced by Fire on the Bayou Productions. Additional event sponsors include The Emeril Lagasse Foundation, WNOL-Nola 38, and the New Orleans Advocate/Nola.com and Iberia Bank. Live performances are brought to you by Sazerac Rye. We’re also grateful for our community partners: Tipitina’s, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Tasc.

 

Acura Presents Virtual Shorty Fest

Brought to you by the Trombone Shorty Foundation and Gia Maione Prima Foundation

Saturday, September 26, 8 PM CST

 

For more information on Shorty Fest and details on where to watch, please visit www.tromboneshortyfoundation.org/shorty-fest/.

 

 

 

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