Despite the limitations brought on by the ongoing pandemic, organizers of the annual Trombone Shorty Foundation benefit concert Shorty Fest announced today (September 10) that the show must and will go on.

On Saturday, September 26, the Virtual Shorty Fest Presented by Acura will air performances from Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (the band’s first performance since the start of the pandemic), Galactic, Anders Osborne, Tank and the Bangas, The Soul Rebels and more.

The annual event, a partnership between the Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, raises money for Trombone Shorty Foundation’s work cultivating young musicians.

“When I was young, I learned from musical legends in my neighborhood, Treme,” said founder and namesake Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. “I wanted to start this foundation to give young musicians the same opportunities that New Orleans gave me. The challenges are real right now, but we know that our music, culture and community will see us through, and Virtual Shorty Fest will honor how important that is.”

The event will stream on the Trombone Shorty Foundation website, Trombone Shorty Facebook and Youtube page, and be broadcast locally on WNOL-Nola 38. In lieu of a ticket, supporters are urged to made a donation to the Foundation via PayPal or by texting “give” to (504) 509-5010.

Virtual Shorty Fest kicks off at 8 p.m. Central and is hosted by LeBron “LBJ” Joseph of “News With a Twist.” For more information, click here.