Though TVD may be on holiday break for the next two weeks, the music keeps on coming. Next Thursday, the Trombone Shorty Foundation, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation present the annual “Tunes for Toys.” This free concert begins at 7 PM at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new toy in exchange for admission.
“Tunes for Toys” will feature music from New Breed Brass Band with special guest Trombone Shorty and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy. “This toy drive is very special to my heart,” says Foundation founder Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. “We love being able to showcase our Academy students’ hard work, and also give back to children in the Tremé community where I was born and raised.”
The New Breed Brass Band includes members of the latest generation of musicians to emerge from the Tremé neighborhood. Snare drummer Jenard Andrews leads the band. Andrews is the son of Tremé legend James “Satchmo of the Ghetto” Andrews. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is his uncle.
The Trombone Shorty Academy is currently in its sixth year. The program teaches local high school students homegrown New Orleans music—from brass band and traditional jazz to more modern funk and rhythm & blues styles. It is one of the signature efforts of the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which was founded by its namesake in 2011.
For those unable to attend the free concert, Toys can be donated at Whole Foods Market (300 N. Broad St) between November 24–December 22. The donated toys will be distributed to children from the Tremé and surrounding neighborhoods at “Toys from Troy” at Whole Foods (300 N. Broad St) on Friday, December 22 at 3 PM.
