“Virtual” Shorty Fest Presented by Acura

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

The Trombone Shorty Foundation held its annual flagship event “Shorty Fest” Presented by Acura this past September, but it looked a little different. In the age of social distancing, the party moved ONLINE this year and featured 1 hour of performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Galactic, Lauren Daigle, and many more! “Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura” aired Saturday, September 26^th at 8 PM CST, brought to you by the Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. The event, hosted by News with a Twist’s “LBJ,” streamed for free for a national audience on several social media platforms, and was broadcast locally on WNOL- TV (Nola-38). Thanks for watching everybody… and if you missed it, you can click above to watch the video!

We still need your support! Donations to the Trombone Shorty Foundation can be made by visiting www.paypal.me/shortyfoundation OR by texting “give” to (504) 509-5010.

You can re-create the live experience at home with our FREE “Watch Party” pack, featuring fun items from our sponsors and partners such as recipes, games, and more. Available HERE!

“When I was young, I learned from musical legends in my neighborhood, Treme. 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.” — Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews”

Shorty Fest is produced by Fire on the Bayou Productions. Thank you to generous premiere sponsor Reily Foods Company, Luzianne Tea, and Evamor Water as “Official Tea and Water Sponsor.” Additional event sponsors include The Emeril Lagasse Foundation, WNOL-Nola 38, Tasc, New Orleans Advocate /Nola.com, Billy Reid, and Iberia Bank as “Official Bank Sponsor.” Live performances brought to you by Sazerac Rye. We’re also grateful for community partners Imagine Recovery, Tipitina’s, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Click HERE to read more about sponsors and partners.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in and participated by commenting, sharing, and liking! You can read more about the performing artists HERE.

Photographer Michael Weintrob was with us during our trip to Cuba last January. The absolutely beautiful photos really capture our experience in Havana, and these fine art prints can be yours to own! Proceeds from the sales of the fine art prints in this particular gallery will be split between the musicians in the photograph and the Trombone Shorty Foundation. Support the music community of New Orleans with each purchase! Check out the full gallery HERE.

Acura has been a proud sponsor of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since 1999, 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 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.

The Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Inc was established by the late Gia Maione Prima with the assistance of long-time friend and counsel, Anthony J. Sylvester of Sherman Wells Sylvester & Stamelman, LLP.  The Foundation’s purposes include, but are not limited to, making donations to other tax-exempt organizations that support and encourage an appreciation for American jazz, American popular music and jazz performance, as well as the fine arts. Visit their website here.

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 Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who was one such youth whose community support in academics, music, and business fostered a career that represents New Orleans culture around the world.