29-04-2025
ShortyFest and its free block party are back Monday
Trombone Shorty's ShortyFest returns Monday, bridging part of the gap between Jazz Fest weekends with a fundraiser that benefits the New Orleans star musician's foundation.
Why it matters: Tickets are usually in short supply, but there's a free block party outside Tipitina's, too.
How it works: The Trombone Shorty Foundation inspires young locals to get involved in the city's music traditions by offering free after-school music education, apprenticeship programs in music production and music business, and cultural exchanges.
ShortyFest is its biggest annual fundraiser, says Bill Taylor, the foundation's executive director.
What they're saying:"These young New Orleanians have a transformational experience where they hopefully identify what direction they want to go in their life," Taylor says.
"But [we] also nurture the next generation of young, entrepreneurial creative students in the city that are hopefully going to carry on the broader culture in a powerful way in the future."
If you go: The block party is free and all ages are welcome. There are performances by brass bands, a high school marching band battle of the battles and Mardi Gras Indians.
