The Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation in partnership with Warren Easton Charter High School are proud to present the annual “Tunes for Toys” toy drive and concert, held outdoors at Warren Easton High School’s Legacy Field on Friday, December 16! This tradition is a fun and festive way for the New Orleans community to give back this holiday season. Experience a night of joyous live music from our young Academy students, as well as performances by The Soul Rebels, Warren Easton High School Band & Units, and a special appearance by local dance troupe Le Bon Ton Babydolls. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews will perform as special guest.
Admission is free and open to the public, in exchange for a new toy. Gates open at 6pm, with live music starting at 7pm. Food trucks and vendors will be on site with refreshments available for purchase. The event will be hosted by Tonya Boyd-Cannon.
The toys will be distributed on Saturday, December 17 at Warren Easton High School at an event called “Toys from Troy.” There will be refreshments and photos with Santa from 1pm-3:00pm, also free and open to the public (any child who attends will receive a free toy). Click here to see photos from our 2019 toy giveaway. “Tunes for Toys” is made possible by presenting sponsorship by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. Generous partnership also provided by JP Morgan Chase and Parkway Bakery & Tavern. Read more about our sponsors below!
“Tunes for Toys means so much to me. Each year I look forward to our Academy students’ as well as Warren Easton students’ performances… it’s amazing to witness the next generation of New Orleans musical talent!” — Foundation founder Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews.
Images from 2021 “Tunes for Toys” event held at Warren Easton High School.
In 2011, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation 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.
With more than a hundred years of memories in the walls, Parkway is a New Orleans legend. There are a few rare and golden universals that everyone—whether transplant or fifth-generation New Orleans—can agree on: red beans and rice, the Saints, and Parkway for poor boys. Walk into their restaurant and you’re bound to find a true cross section of New Orleans. It’s where the old guard and the new guard can both let their guard down. It’s a kind of oasis. Everyone’s in here for the same things: good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and great company. Parkway Bakery & Tavern is proud to sponsor this year’s Tunes for Toys! Drop off your toy donation at Parkway during business hours between now and December 11.
Warren Easton has a rich legacy of educational excellence. As the oldest public high school in the state of Louisiana, they have not only educated the children of New Orleans for over 100 years, but have also ensured each child has the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential and leave as upstanding citizens who contribute to our community. Through their core values – Tradition, Excellence, Family and Pride – Warren Easton’s Faculty, Staff and Alumni believe in leading by example when it comes to paying it forward to our community. One of their top traditional priorities – along with academic excellence – has always been to embody a true a spirit of giving. They are pleased to partner with 2004 Alumnae of Warren Easton, Troy Andrews and the Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Tunes for Toys.