Trombone Shorty is a busy man this spring. In addition to closing out the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest with his band Orleans Avenue on the last day of the festival (May 3) from 5:45-7pm, he's headlining the Saenger Theater on Saturday, April 25 at the Treme Threauxdown. And finally, but perhaps most importantly, he'll be overseeing the third annual Shorty Fest, a benefit concert for the Trombone Shorty Foundation's music education programs at Generations Hall in the Warehouse District on Thursday, April 30.

The foundation's mission is to preserve the musical culture of New Orleans by passing its traditions down to the next generation of aspiring artists. In support of this endeavor, three stages of live music will provide the evening's entertainment. A full headlining set from Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue is a highlight of the evening, of course! Other performers include Big Chief Monk Boudreaux with four generations of Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Tank & the Bangas, Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, Tysson, Sweet Crude, New Breed Brass Band, and more. Students from the Trombone Shorty Academy at Tulane will also perform. The patron party will feature a special performance from John Boutte.

“It’s all about keeping our music strong in the future,” says Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, the foundation’s figurehead and founder. “When I was young, the older cats did it for me, and now it’s my responsibility and privilege to do the same. That’s what makes our city so special, we pass it on.”

This year's festival also marks the release of the "Trombone Shorty" children's book from Abrams Books. Of the book, Publishers Weekly said, "If a fairy tale were set in New Orleans, this is how it would read." Signed copies of the book will be available at the event and proceeds of all book sales go to the foundation.

More information and tickets available here now: tromboneshortyfoundation.org.