The port city of New Orleans has a rich cultural heritage, a heady gumbo enhanced by French, Spanish and African flavors. In addition to its Cajun cuisine and Creole population (shout out to everyone's favorite Texas Bama), the city is world renowned for its music. From Zydeco to Bounce to Jazz, the Crescent City wields musical influence across a wide swath of genres. But in order to continue its musical legacy, young talent needs to be supported and nurtured. Intent on giving this opportunity to the city's underprivileged youth, native son Trombone Shorty launched the Trombone Shorty Foundation in 2013.
Widely esteemed and highly sought after for his mastership of brass and overall musical dexterity, the former child prodigy born Troy Andrews knows first-hand the benefits of being surrounded by music during one's formative years. His ongoing passion for his craft inspired him to launch the Foundation's first social donation campaign, #SaveDatSound, as a means to support young musicians and preserve NOLA's musical heritage.
According to a press release, "With mobile and online donations, sponsor matching and giveaways, #SaveDatSound serves as a crescendo in anticipation of Shorty Fest, the Foundation’s fourth annual benefit concert at the House of Blues New Orleans on Thursday, April 28th presented by Presqu’ile Winery. Music and culture lovers everywhere are encouraged to tag #SaveDatSound on Instagram. For every use of the hashtag, Shorty Fest presenting sponsor Presqu’ile Winery will donate $1 to the Trombone Shorty Foundation during the week of April 17th."
Mr. Andrews shares, “I am so proud to have been raised on NOLA’s sound and am humbled by the amount of support toward this city’s culture and for kids just like me.” Support this worthwhile cause by making a donation online or by texting “TROMBONE” to 41-444. Donations over $25 will be entered to win some pretty cool prizes, including a signed copy of the award-winning Trombone Shorty children’s book.
In other news, Trombone Shorty and his band Orleans Avenue will headline their second annual Treme Threauxdown at the Saenger Theatre on April 23rd with several special guests including CeeLo Green and Ledisi. They'll also be closing out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which runs from April 22nd through May 1st. The ridiculously good lineup includes Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Janelle Monáe, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Gary Clark Jr., Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter, J. Cole and Snoop Dogg. Shorty and crew will be touring several U.S. cities from now through September, so be sure to visit his website for dates and venues.
