Students of the Trombone Shorty Academy perform at Shorty Fest 2017. Photo: Kelly Vogt Campbell

Shorty Fest Brings Unrivaled Music, Entertainment, and Community Fun to Jazz Fest Monday

On Monday, April 29, 2024, the 11th Annual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura will return to Tipitina’s Uptown, promising an event filled with unparalleled music, entertainment, and community spirit. Headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, this event, held on “Jazz Fest Monday,” aims to bring together supporters, friends, and music enthusiasts to support music education in New Orleans. Among the evening’s highlights will be a mesmerizing performance by special guests, Grammy-nominated Sun Ra Arkestra, renowned for their interstellar virtuosity and wonder. Alongside Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the musical lineup will feature Galactic feat. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy.

In addition to the indoor festivities, Shorty Fest Presented by Acura will host a free outdoor “Cultural Block Party.” Attendees can enjoy performances by newly Grammy-nominated New Breed Brass Band, Big Chief Juan Pardo and the Golden Commanches, The St. Augustine Marching 100 (High School Marching Band), and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy. The outdoor event will also feature a family-friendly kids’ area, food trucks, and a silent auction, along with VIP access tent on the neutral ground.

Tickets for the event will go on sale this Friday, February 23, at 10 am CST at www.tipitinas.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Trombone Shorty Foundation, dedicated to empowering and educating future generations of musicians through instruction, mentorship, and performance. Shorty Fest Presented by Acura is brought to fans by The Trombone Shorty Foundation in partnership with the Tip-it Foundation and Gia Maione Prima Foundation.

“We are ready to travel the spaceways this year at Shorty Fest!” says Trombone Shorty Foundation Executive Director Bill Taylor. “What an honor to have the Sun Ra Arkestra join us to advance music education in New Orleans. Shorty Fest is all about culture and community, as we celebrate the bridges the music builds in our lives. It’s truly the great connector, and thanks to Acura for their continued support in helping us bring ‘precision crafted performance’ to the next generation of New Orleans musicians.”

Additionally, Tipitina’s will hold its traditional Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony during the 2024 Shorty Fest outdoor block party, posthumously honoring New Orleans’ legendary percussionist Russell Batiste. The “Walk of Fame” spot, memorialized in the sidewalk outside the venue, is a distinction given to musicians who have earned their place in New Orleans’ revered music history.

For additional information on Shorty Fest 2024 Presented by Acura and the Trombone Shorty Foundation, please visit www.tipitinas.com and www.tromboneshortyfoundation.org.