The Trombone Shorty Foundation (TSF) announced on Thursday that it will present its eighth annual flagship celebration of music with a new spin: Virtual Shorty Fest presented by Acura will air on Saturday, September 26th at 8 p.m. CST, brought to you by the Trombone Shorty Foundation with the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.

The free virtual event will feature a performance by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue—the band’s first show since the pandemic began—as well as fellow New Orleans favorites GalacticAnders OsborneTank and the Bangas, and The Soul Rebels. The virtual event will also feature students from the Trombone Shorty Academy as well as some unannounced special guests.

Hosted by News With a Twist’s LeBron Joseph (aka “LBJ”), Virtual Shorty Fest will stream for a national audience on the Trombone Shorty Foundation website, Trombone Shorty Facebook and Youtube pages. The event will also be broadcast locally on WNOL-Nola 38.

Donations to the Trombone Shorty Foundation can be made via PayPal here or by texting “give” to (504) 509-5010. All proceeds from the event support the foundation’s educational programs, which keep students learning and musicians working.

“We really need Shorty Fest right now, and our determination to pass on our precious musical culture to the younger generation has never been more important,” said Bill Taylor, Executive Director of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. “This Virtual Shorty Fest is about supporting the students, the mentors, the musicians, our community, our culture and what New Orleans means to the world. We appreciate all of those who have made this event possible, including the continued support of Acura brand and have invited everyone to celebrate it all.”

“When I was young, I learned from musical legends in my neighborhood, Treme,” said founder and namesake Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews in a press release. “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.”

For more information on 2020’s Virtual Shorty Fest on Saturday, September 26th, head here.

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