Trombone Shorty celebrates his 40th birthday with an all-star concert in New Orleans! Catch 'Shorty Turns 40' at Saenger Theatre during Jazz Fest, April 25.
- February 7, 2026
AceShowbiz - New Orleans is set to host a spectacular musical celebration as Trombone Shorty prepares to commemorate his 40th birthday with an all-star concert. Fresh off a high-profile performance opening the Grammys’ Premiere Ceremony, the Grammy-winning musician is gearing up for a milestone event dubbed “Shorty Turns 40.” This highly anticipated show will take place on Saturday, April 25, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans’ signature Jazz Fest season, promising an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie.
The concert, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Trombone Shorty’s acclaimed Treme Threauxdown, will be held at the historic Saenger Theatre. Fans can look forward to a dynamic performance by Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, complemented by an impressive lineup of special guests. The roster includes beloved Crescent City icons such as jazz legend Branford Marsalis, funk maestro Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr. of the legendary Meters, and soul queen Irma Thomas. Adding a cross-genre appeal, country superstar Eric Church, who previously welcomed Trombone Shorty on his 2022 Gather Again Tour for a memorable collaboration on "Cold One," is also slated to perform. They will be joined by R&B sensation Leon Bridges, rock icon Joan Jett, powerhouse vocalist Grace Potter, and soulful artist Jill Scott, with more exciting guests expected to be announced soon.
Beyond his electrifying performances, Trombone Shorty has a storied history of bringing musical legends together. In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, he recounted his pivotal role in helping reunite the seminal New Orleans band, the Meters. “My cousin told me I wouldn’t be able to pull it off because they haven’t gotten together in 30-something years,” Trombone Shorty revealed. “I called each member, and each one had a little moment of silence when I told them what my idea was. At that moment, I was iffy about whether it was going to work out or not.” This anecdote underscores his enduring influence and commitment to preserving and evolving New Orleans' rich musical heritage, making his 40th birthday celebration not just a party, but a testament to his significant impact on the music world.