Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is one of the brightest young stars on the music scene today. The New Orleans native has been thrilling crowds across the world for a few years now. He is a natural showman and a powerhouse on both the trombone and the trumpet.

Andrews was born into one of the most well known musical families of New Orleans. Grandson to the famous singer/songwriter Jesse Hill, music has been running through Troy’s veins since the day he was born. Growing up in the famous Tremé neighbourhood, music was all around him. The locale is famous for its brass band tradition. Andrews’ nickname came about at the age of four when his brother noticed that the trombone he was playing during a street parade was twice his size! By the age of six, Andrews was already leading his own band.

By 14, Andrews had already made quite a name for himself. He was featured along with two other young trumpet players as a guest soloist with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra, a performance that you can find on YouTube. Even at this young age, you can hear the effortless command he possesses over the trumpet.

We are very fortunate to have Andrews—Trombone Shorty—returning to the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival with his band, Orleans Avenue. Those who witnessed their show at last year’s festival were blown away by the energy this band delivers. Andrews credits his showmanship to his days busking in New Orleans trying to grab the attention of people passing by. He’s an entertainer, through and through. He claims the band once played for five hours straight because the audience was enjoying the performance so much, they wouldn’t leave!

Andrews has dubbed the music his band plays as Supafunkrock, which pretty much sums up their approach. Their musical influences are vast. They will play anything from a fairly traditional version of “On The Sunny Side of the Street” to a full out rock rendition of “American Woman,” all with a healthy dose of witty improvisation.

Trombone Shorty will raise the roof at the Burton Cummings Theatre on June 21. You will not want to miss this opportunity to see one of the musicians of the future at the beginning of his sure-to-be-amazing career!