Troy Andrews empowers youth and honors New Orleans music through his foundation
“The magic of New Orleans is rooted not only in its exquisite culinary offerings but also in the sound that surrounds the city, a result of the plethora of musicians it has fostered since the beginning of time.”
From jazz legends like Louis Armstrong to hip-hop icons like Lil Wayne, New Orleans has always been a birthplace of extraordinary sound. But the legacy doesn’t end with the greats of the past. Thanks to the passion and commitment of Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, the heartbeat of the city continues to thrive through the youth of today.
In 2012, Trombone Shorty launched the Trombone Shorty Foundation—a mission-driven organization determined to preserve and pass on the unique musical cultures that define New Orleans. Each year, the foundation hosts Shorty Fest, a vibrant celebration of youth music that runs alongside the city’s famed Jazz Fest. But this isn’t just another concert—it’s an opportunity for budding musicians to shine.
“It works both ways,” Andrews said when asked about the impact of his work. “To pass that along to them, it’s just a beautiful thing… that’s what’s exciting to me… and see them playing in front of an audience and moving the people through the music, that’s what keeps the mission alive for me.”
This year’s Shorty Fest saw students from the Trombone Shorty Academy—a free after-school program for kids aged 12 to 18—performing at iconic venues like Tipitina’s and even sharing the stage with the man himself. Coming from all parts of Louisiana, even areas that don’t have the same cultural richness as the Crescent City, these young musicians bring a hunger to learn, to play, and to keep the sound of New Orleans alive.
Their energy is contagious. After playing a set at Jazz Fest, the students immediately went to Downman Sounds Studios to rehearse for their big finale. Exhaustion? Nowhere in sight. If anything, the music seems to fuel them.
“Every year that we’re able to do it and keep it going, that’s the feeling that I get… the kids were wonderful. They were great,” Andrews reflected. “That keeps me alive, as far as what we’re doing with the mission for the Trombone Shorty Foundation.”
With support from longtime partner Acura, the foundation has grown its reach beyond music circles. The partnership helps bring in new audiences—people who may not know about New Orleans music or the foundation’s work, but are drawn in by the message and the movement.
“I remember being 14 years old… I think a platform and being connected to a brand put more eyes and ears on us,” Andrews noted. “It’s a beautiful thing… to get other ears and eyes that could spark an interest… or even make a donation to the foundation.”
Trombone Shorty is doing more than making music—he’s building a legacy. In a world where artistic programs are often underfunded and overlooked, his foundation stands as a beacon of hope and rhythm. He’s not just preserving culture; he’s planting seeds for a future where New Orleans continues to inspire the world, one note at a time.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/zsAJekLwNgM?si=U5IlczeY0_nBTazu
- https://blackpromoterscollective.com/inside-trombone-shortys-mission-to-pass-down-new-orleans-music-culture-to-future-stars/
- https://www.npr.org/2017/04/23/524752797/trombone-shorty-pushes-tradition-forward
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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