New Orleans Sound to Fill Quad

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue are storming in for Tulane's homecoming weekend the same way they've exploded onto the national music scene — with a fresh sound and an irresistible New Orleans funk-rock beat.

Troy Andrews, who received his nickname Trombone Shorty when he was playing second-line parades in grade school, will play a free outdoor concert with his band, Orleans Avenue, on the uptown campus on Friday (Oct. 8) in celebration of homecoming. (Photo by Kirk Edwards)

The band will play a free concert on the Lavin-Bernick Center quad on the uptown campus on Friday (Oct. 8) at 7:45 p.m. The concert will feature songs from the band's most recent album, “Backatown.”

For members of the Tulane community who have never heard of the band, Andrews says, “be prepared for a high-energy funk rock and make sure they bring their dancing shoes.”

Andrews picked up his first instrument when he was 4, led his first band by age 6 and picked up his stage name, Trombone Shorty, along the way when he was playing with brass bands before his arms were even long enough to reach all the positions on the slide.

At age 24, Andrews leads Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue with a sound that draws on diverse influences. He says each band member brings something a little different to the mix because they all are influenced by different artists, from Garth Brooks to Allen Toussaint.

“We may be from New Orleans and incorporate a New Orleans sound to our music, but that isn't all we are. We take this musical gumbo and create a sound that's our own,” Andrews says.

In addition to the free concert, various events take place on Oct. 8 around the uptown campus, including a pep rally and fireworks. Everyone is invited to tailgating at the Army vs. Tulane football game on Oct. 9 at the Superdome. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the events, including Wave '10 All Alumni Reunion Party, Family Weekend and the Helluva Hullabaloo Auction and Party, visit the homecoming website.

Aryanna Gamble is administrative assistant in the Office of Marketing and Communications.