Trombone Shorty Foundation
In 2011, Troy Andrews established the Trombone Shorty Foundation, through which students from across the city of New Orleans receive professional-quality instruments and instruction from working musicians. The Foundation also runs the Trombone Shorty Music Academy, where students follow a music performance and business curriculum. Each Spring in New Orleans the Foundation hosts an annual "Shorty Fest," a music festival featuring national guest musicians and some of the most talented student musicians from the City.
Through his artistry and mentorship, Trombone Shorty is keeping the rich musical heritage of New Orleans alive—ensuring that the city's unique sounds and tradition of community musicianship thrive for generations to come. He has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts by the Heinz Foundation (Heinz Award for the Arts, 2016), the Halcyon Awards (2019 Arts Icon Award), and Tulane University (President's Medal, 2016).