Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Headline Sinfonia Gulf Coast Gala Nov 4

Big brassy news! Grammy-nominated brass sensation Trombone Story and his band, Orleans Avenue, will electrify audiences with his special fusion of funk, soul, and R&B at Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s highly-anticipated Gala Event.

This one-night-only benefit set for Saturday, Nov. 4 at Hotel Effie in Sandestin begins with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by a gourmet dinner in the Juniper Ballroom curated by executive chef Matthew Krueger and a must-not-miss live performance by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

“Energy. Excitement. Booty-shaking musical revelry. All that is the mind-blowing musical experience of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue — the best of the best musicians. Hotel Effie at Sandestin will be an incredible backdrop for this musical extravaganza. As always, expect a few surprises throughout the evening,” says Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller.

Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, born in New Orleans, grew up in the Tremé neighborhood steeped in jazz traditions. He hails from a musical family, including a grandfather and great-uncle with ties to Fats Domino. He began playing trombone at four, impressing Bo Diddley and performing at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. By six, he led brass bands, later joining Stooges Brass Band. He is best known as a trombone and trumpet player but also plays drums, organ, and tuba. He attended NOCCA with Jon Batiste, mentored by Cyril Neville. Andrews played with Lenny Kravitz, U2, and Green Day.

Andrews released his first album in 2002. A dozen more followed. Since 2009 has toured with his own band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. In 2010 he released Backatown which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Jazz Albums Chart and was nominated for the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He followed it with For True. Both showcase his jazz and funk fusion. He's a respected figure in New Orleans' music scene, performing globally.

On his unique sound, Andrews says, "New Orleans is like a big musical gumbo. The sound I have is from being in the city my whole life."

“The Gala Event supports Sinfonia’s most important work in the community: bringing quality music to school children at no cost to them or their schools,” Fuller explains. “Trombone Shorty grew up playing music in the streets of New Orleans. He clearly understands the need to foster young musicians and that really resonates with me.”

General admission ticket prices for Gala Event feat. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are from $250 per person (rows four and five) and includes valet service, cocktail reception, silent and live auction, dinner by Chef Michael Krueger, live performance, tax, and gratuities.

VIP Premiere (front row) tables (seating 10) and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Tickets are non-refundable but are redeemable for credit for other SGC events or taken as a contribution. Artists are subject to change.

Purchase tickets online at www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.