Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media
Published on February 7, 2026
Blackbird Presents has announced Shorty Turns 40, a very special concert celebrating GRAMMY-winning New Orleans icon Trombone Shorty’s 40th birthday and the 10th anniversary of his legendary Treme Threauxdown.
This must-see nighttime event during Jazz Fest will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00 pm CT inside the iconic Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, promising an unforgettable celebration filled with special guests and surprise moments honoring one of the city’s most beloved musical ambassadors.
Shorty Turns 40 features an extraordinary lineup of superstar artists, including Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Leon Bridges, Eric Church, Joan Jett, Branford Marsalis, Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr., Grace Potter, Jill Scott, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas, and more special guests.
Tickets for the general public went on sale this week via shortyturns40.com. VIP packages are also available, featuring premium seating and a Shorty Turns 40 merchandise pack.
Shorty Turns 40: Celebrating Trombone Shorty’s 40th Birthday at Treme Threauxdown X marks a milestone night in New Orleans as Trombone Shorty’s beloved Treme Threauxdown returns during Jazz Fest for its 10th anniversary. This year’s hometown celebration is made even more special as it honors Trombone Shorty’s 40th birthday—celebrating one of the city’s most iconic artists inside one of its most storied theaters.
The evening will bring together an all-star lineup of guest artists, friends, and longtime collaborators for a night of music that captures the heart and soul of New Orleans. Blending funk, jazz, soul, rock, and the city’s rich brass band traditions, the performance promises surprise collaborations, powerful moments, and electrifying energy—celebrating Trombone Shorty’s journey from neighborhood parades to the world’s biggest stages.
“We are thrilled to collaborate and produce this milestone show celebrating Trombone Shorty,” says Keith Wortman of Blackbird Presents. “He is THE living embodiment of New Orleans music past, present, and future, and this show will bring that electricity unlike any other.”
Shorty Turns 40 continues Blackbird Presents’ annual concert series at the historic Saenger Theatre, which has become an essential part of the Jazz Fest experience. The series carries on the New Orleans tradition of keeping the party going into the night with legendary performances featuring superstar artists alongside the city’s finest musicians.
Previous Blackbird Presents Jazz Fest events at the Saenger Theatre include The Last Waltz New Orleans: A Celebration of the 45th Anniversary of The Band’s Historic Farewell Concert, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Ryan Adams: Exile On Bourbon St., New Orleans Is Waiting For Columbus, Nevilles Forever: A Celebration of The Neville Brothers, and The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: Celebrating Mac and His Music.
Since its debut, Trombone Shorty’s Treme Threauxdown has become a can’t-miss celebration of New Orleans music, community, and spontaneity. Known for its electrifying energy and all-star sit-ins, past editions have featured surprise appearances from artists including Jon Batiste, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Usher, Gary Clark Jr., and many more.
Shorty Turns 40
Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:00 pm CT
Saenger Theatre — New Orleans, LA
For complete show details and tickets, visit shortyturns40.com.
About Trombone Shorty
Born Troy Andrews, Trombone Shorty got his start—and nickname—early. At four, he made his first Jazz Fest appearance performing with Bo Diddley; at six, he was leading his own brass band; and by his teenage years, he was recruited by Lenny Kravitz for the Electric Church World Tour. Today, Shorty is recognized not only as a virtuoso musician but as a magnetic, genre-defying showman whose influence spans jazz, funk, rock, and soul. More at tromboneshorty.com.
About Blackbird Presents
Blackbird Presents is the premier independent creator and producer of large-scale concerts, tours, festivals, and premium music-driven filmed entertainment, collaborating with the world’s most important artists and leading studio, network, streaming, and promoter partners. More at blackbirdpresents.com.
