Article Contributed by IVPR
Published on November 7, 2025
The Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation are proud to announce that their annual Tunes for Toys toy drive and concert will return in 2025. On December 4th, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band—as well as special guests Trombone Shorty and Widespread Panic’s JoJo Hermann, plus the Trombone Shorty Academy Band—will take the stage at the world-famous Tipitina’s to drive toy donations for local families in the New Orleans community. This funky holiday tradition will get started at 8 pm with doors opening an hour prior at 7 pm. Admission is free (18+) in exchange for a new toy donation.
The toys collected during Tunes for Toys will be distributed on Saturday, December 6th, at Warren Easton High School (3019 Canal St.). The toy giveaway event runs from 1 pm to 3 pm and will feature refreshments as well as more live music, and is free and open to the public. Any child in attendance is eligible for a free toy.
“We are filled with holiday cheer about bringing our annual Tunes for Toys concert to the greatest music venue in the world—Tipitina’s,” says Bill Taylor, founding Executive Director of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. “We’re excited to bring it back to the heart of New Orleans this year with a performance from The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Shorty Academy.”
The evening is made possible by a presenting sponsorship from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. “We are thrilled to team up once again with the Trombone Shorty Foundation for Tunes for Toys, bringing together music, community, and generosity this holiday season,” states Anthony J. Sylvester, Trustee to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
What: Trombone Shorty Foundation and Gia Maione Prima Foundation Present “Tunes for Toys” featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with special guests Trombone Shorty and JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic, plus Trombone Shorty Academy
When: Thursday, December 4, 2025 (doors 7 pm, show 8 pm)
Where: Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave
How: Admission is FREE with the donation of a (new) toy, shop the Amazon wishlist here
About The Gia Maione Prima Foundation: In 2011, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation was established with the assistance of long-time friend and counsel, Anthony J. Sylvester of Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman LLP. Gia Maione Prima was a singer and the widow of Louis Prima, the famous jazz musician, singer, and composer from New Orleans. The GMPF makes donations to tax-exempt organizations supporting and encouraging an appreciation for American jazz, American popular music, and jazz performance, as well as the fine arts.
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 www.tromboneshortyfoundation.
