The Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation in partnership with Warren Easton Charter High School will present the annual Tunes for Toys toy drive and concert, held outside at Warren Easton High School on Thursday, December 16.
Presided over by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, the event is a fun and interactive way for the New Orleans community to give back this holiday season. Admission is free in exchange for a new toy that will be given to New Orleans youth the next day at the foundation’s Toys from Troy event.
Though on hiatus in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tunes for Toys returns this year with a new location taking place on the Legacy Field at Warren Easton High School, 3019 Canal Street. Gates open at 6 p.m. with live music starting at 7 p.m. Food trucks and vendors will be on site with refreshments available for purchase. Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed according to appropriate and current city regulations.
The lineup will include student musicians from the Trombone Shorty Academy, as well as performances by New Breed Brass Band with Trombone Shorty as a special guest, and the Warren Easton High School marching bands, choir and units. R&B singer Tonya Boyd-Cannon will serve as emcee.
“We’re excited to bring this event back in 2021!” said Andrews. “We love being able to give back to children in communities like the Treme, where I was born and raised, and this year feels more special than ever as we partner with my alma mater, Warren Easton.”
The evening is made possible by presenting sponsorship by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation and supporting sponsorship from JP Morgan Chase.
The toys will be distributed on December 17 at Warren Easton High School. There will also be refreshments and photos with Santa from 1-3:30 p.m.
“It is my honor to work in association with the Trombone Shorty Foundation in hosting the Toys for Tunes giveaway,” said Mervin Jackson, principal and CEO of Warren Easton Charter High School. “It is a delight to be in partnership with Troy [Andrews], an alumnus of Easton.”
The Trombone Shorty Foundation, founded in 2012, seeks to build the next generation of young talent: to create music industry career pathways for New Orleans youth, empower them with the skills and perspective to succeed in business and in life, and to offer mentorship and support throughout the process. The work of the Foundation is inspired by its namesake founder, whose community support in academics, music and business fostered a career that represents New Orleans culture around the world. The Trombone Shorty Foundation will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2022.
In 2011, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation (GMPF) was established with the assistance of long-time friend and counsel, Anthony J. Sylvester of Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman LLP. Gia Maione Prima was a singer and the widow of Louis Prima, the famous jazz musician, singer and composer from New Orleans. The GMPF makes donations to tax-exempt organizations supporting and encouraging an appreciation for American jazz, American popular music and jazz performance as well as the fine arts.
For more information on Tunes for Toys, visit here.
