NEW ORLEANS – The Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Gia Maione Prima Foundation announced that the annual Tunes for Toys toy drive and concert will return in 2025. On Dec. 4, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – as well as special guests Trombone Shorty and Widespread Panic’s JoJo Hermann, plus the Trombone Shorty Academy Band – will take the stage at Tipitina’s to drive toy donations for local families in the New Orleans community. This funky holiday tradition will get started at 8 p.m. with doors opening an hour prior at 7 p.m.. Admission is free (18+) in exchange for a new toy donation.
The toys collected during Tunes for Toys will be distributed on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Warren Easton High School (3019 Canal St.). The toy giveaway event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature refreshments as well as more live music, and is free and open to the public. Any child in attendance is eligible for a free toy.
“We are filled with holiday cheer about bringing our annual Tunes for Toys concert to the greatest music venue in the world – Tipitina’s,” said Bill Taylor, founding executive director of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. “We’re excited to bring it back to the heart of New Orleans this year with a performance from The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Shorty Academy.”
The evening is made possible by a presenting sponsorship from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
“We are thrilled to team up once again with the Trombone Shorty Foundation for Tunes for Toys, bringing together music, community, and generosity this holiday season,” said Anthony J. Sylvester, trustee to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
What: Trombone Shorty Foundation and Gia Maione Prima Foundation Present “Tunes for Toys” featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with special guests Trombone Shorty and JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic, plus Trombone Shorty Academy
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 (doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m.)
Where: Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave.
How: Admission is FREE with the donation of a (new) toy, shop the Amazon wishlist here