In spite of a slew of cancellations of fall festivals due a spike in COVID-19 infections, the Trombone Shorty Foundation announced the return of Shorty Fest Presented by Acura at Tipitina’s. The concert will take place on Monday, October 11, at 8 p.m.

Produced by the Trombone Shorty Foundation in collaboration with Galactic’s newly launched Tip-It Foundation, Shorty Fest 2021 will prioritize patron safety, offering a limited number of tickets to attend the event and following all current coronavirus protocols and guidelines, including proof of vaccine or negative COVID test (within 72 hours of event) with ID for entry and requiring masks indoors. Shorty Fest will also be available to livestream for free, allowing audiences across the globe to safely watch the live event, donate, bid on online auction items and be part of the New Orleans music community during these unprecedented times.

“We look forward to providing a safe space for our friends, family and supporters to come together and celebrate music, a part of our community that has truly been missed during these hard times,” said Andrews. “We’re here to keep the music alive, but with safety as our top priority—whether celebrating in-person or streaming online, we want to provide a safe space for everyone to enjoy what makes this city so special.”

Headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who will take the stage at Tipitina’s for the first time since 2015, this year’s musical lineup features performances by Galactic with Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, The Soul Rebels, Cuban sensation Cimafunk and special guests Tarriona “Tank” Ball and Big Chief Juan Pardo.

“During these trying times, we feel fortunate to partner with our friends with Galactic at Tipitina’s to produce an amazing show for our community and beyond,” said Bill Taylor, founding executive director of the Trombone Shorty Foundation.

Tickets for Shorty Fest 2021 Presented by Acura go on sale Friday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. CST at tipitinas.com.