Article Contributed by IVPR
Published on 2026-02-25
Shorty Fest Presented By Acura Celebrates the Music of New Orleans – Past, Present, and Future – Highlighted by Inspirational Student Performances at Tipitina’s on April 27
Shorty Fest Presented By Acura celebrates the music of New Orleans—past, present, and future—highlighted by inspirational student performances at Tipitina’s on April 27.
Featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cimafunk & La Tribu, and special guests Tarriona “Tank” Ball (Tank & The Bangas), Big Freedia, Jelly Joseph, and JoJo Hermann (Widespread Panic).
Plus Primera Linea, the dynamic youth band from Havana, Cuba, performing with students from the Trombone Shorty Foundation.
Acura proudly celebrates 10 years of supporting the efforts of Trombone Shorty and the Shorty Foundation in empowering young musicians in New Orleans and beyond.
New Orleans, LA — Feb. 25, 2026 — Shorty Fest Presented by Acura is set to return to the iconic Tipitina’s stage on Monday, April 27, with this year’s lineup highlighting the musical ties between New Orleans and Cuba, and reflecting on the Foundation’s many musical excursions to Havana over the last several years. As the largest fundraiser for the Trombone Shorty Foundation, Shorty Fest Presented by Acura will feature a must-see performance by the next generation of New Orleans and Cuban musicians, with students from the Trombone Shorty Foundation joining Primera Linea, the dynamic youth band from Havana.
Taking the legendary Tipitina’s stage on April 27 will be Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cimafunk & La Tribu, and an array of incredible special guests, including Tarriona “Tank” Ball (Tank & The Bangas), Big Freedia, Jelly Joseph, and JoJo Hermann (Widespread Panic). 2026 Shorty Fest Presented by Acura outdoor festivities will begin at 5 p.m., with doors at 7 p.m.
Since 2012, the Trombone Shorty Foundation has inspired and supported the next generation of musicians, bringing together not just students and mentors but also a host of world-class performers and artists. “Before I became a part of Trombone Shorty Foundation, my career only had a regional reach,” says Shorty Foundation alumni and current Shorty Foundation Program Administrator, Santrell “Jade” Perdue. “Now, as an active member of Shorty Foundation’s alumni program, I travel nationally and internationally performing in world-class venues with world-class talents, including at Shorty Fest.”
For 10 years, Acura has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of Shorty Fest. “Offering professional experiences for our students throughout the year is an important part of our mission,” says Founding Executive Director Bill Taylor. “Acura’s ongoing support allows us to provide necessary transportation, which is essential for the success of these programs. We are grateful for their shared commitment to innovation and advancement for our students.”
“Ten years ago, Acura was excited to build on its long relationship with the New Orleans jazz community by supporting the extraordinary efforts of Trombone Shorty and the Foundation in empowering young musicians in New Orleans,” said Jennifer Symington, assistant vice president of marketing for American Honda. “What began in NOLA has grown into a broader movement that opens doors for students pursuing careers in music. We’re honored to play a part in expanding their access to the arts while celebrating these talented young performers at Shorty Fest 2026.”
To participate in Shorty Fest Presented by Acura, guests can purchase a ticket for the indoor show at Tipitina’s. At the event’s free-to-the-public Cultural Block Party, bring a chair and settle into the neutral ground of Napoleon Avenue at Tchoupitoulas. The outdoor block party includes performances from brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, and the legendary “Battle of the Bands” featuring two local high school marching bands beginning at 5 p.m., alongside a family-friendly kids’ area, food trucks, silent auction, and the annual Tipitina’s Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony—this year honoring Roger Lewis (Dirty Dozen Brass Band).
Tickets for Shorty Fest Presented by Acura go on sale this Friday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. Central Time. General and VIP tickets will be available at tipitinas.com. Fans who purchase Shorty Fest Presented by Acura VIP tickets can look forward to early entry into the venue, VIP indoor balcony access, VIP outdoor tent access (including food from Jacques-Imo’s), and a VIP signature open bar. For more information on the Trombone Shorty Foundation, please visit tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
What: Shorty Fest Presented By Acura
Who: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cimafunk & La Tribu, and special guests Tarriona “Tank” Ball (Tank & The Bangas), Big Freedia, Jelly Joseph, and JoJo Hermann (Widespread Panic); plus Primera Linea with students from the Trombone Shorty Foundation
When: April 27 — outdoor events begin at 5 p.m., doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.
Where: Tipitina’s — 501 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
How: Tickets on sale Friday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at tipitinas.com
About The Trombone Shorty Foundation: The Trombone Shorty Foundation, founded in 2012, seeks to build the next generation of young talent: to create music industry career pathways for New Orleans youth, empower them with the skills and perspective to succeed in business and in life, and to offer mentorship and support throughout the process. The work of the Foundation is inspired by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, whose community support in academics, music, and business fostered a career that represents New Orleans culture around the world. Visit tromboneshortyfoundation.org for more information.
