As the energy of Jazz Fest pulses through New Orleans, another highly anticipated tradition is set to electrify the city’s legendary music scene. Shorty Fest returns to Tipitina’s on April 28, promising an evening of dynamic performances, cultural collaborations and a heartfelt tribute to one of the city’s own musical icons.
Headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, this year’s lineup also brings the Black Opry Revue and students from the Trombone Shorty Academy to the Tipitina’s stage. The night’s festivities will take on an additional flair with a “Jersey Takeover,” featuring the improvisational grooves of Dogs In A Pile, joined by renowned musicians Robert Randolph and Jake Clemons of the E Street Band Tour.
Since its inception in 2012, the Trombone Shorty Foundation has dedicated itself to nurturing the next generation of New Orleans musicians. The annual festival, produced in partnership with the Tip-It Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, serves as a marquee event in the foundation’s efforts to bridge the city’s musical heritage with emerging talent.
For attendees, Shorty Fest offers two ways to experience the celebration. Fans can secure tickets for the main concert inside Tipitina’s or immerse themselves in the free-to-the-public Cultural Block Party outside on Napoleon Avenue. The outdoor festivities will feature performances from brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, and a much-anticipated “Battle of the Bands” showdown between two local high school marching bands. Families and festivalgoers can also enjoy food trucks, a silent auction, and a designated kids’ area, making the event accessible for all ages.
A significant highlight of the evening will be the Tipitina’s Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony, honoring legendary drummer Shannon Powell. A cornerstone of New Orleans’ rhythm and groove, Powell will join past inductees such as Fats Domino, Dr. John, and The Neville Brothers in having his contributions to the city’s soundscape permanently memorialized outside Tipitina’s.
Shorty Fest also arrives on the heels of the Trombone Shorty Foundation’s annual Getting Funky In Havana initiative, a cultural and musical exchange between New Orleans and Cuba. This year’s program featured legendary artists like Taj Mahal and George Clinton alongside Cuban musicians, deepening the foundation’s mission of cross-cultural collaboration and musical education.
Tickets for Shorty Fest 2025 go on sale Friday, February 21, at 10 a.m. Central Time, with general and VIP options available at tipitinas.com. For those opting for the VIP experience, a dedicated tent on the neutral ground will provide a prime vantage point for enjoying the music in an open-air setting.
