Continuing its deep appreciation and support of musical heritage, Acura returned as a sponsor of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as the iconic cultural event celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Acura also returned for the 5th year as a sponsor of the Trombone Shorty Foundation, and this year, as presenting sponsor of “Shorty Fest,” Foundation’s largest fundraising event on May 1. The Acura Stage at JazzFest was once again the festival’s main stage with a lengthy list of legendary performers for 2019, including The Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Nevilles.

Investing in the Future of Jazz Music Building on Acura’s relationship with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Acura is, again, the automotive partner of The Trombone Shorty Foundation (www.tromboneshortyfoundation.org), started by iconic singer, songwriter and producer Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Acura’s sponsorship of the Foundation helps support traditional jazz music education, instruction, mentorship and performance in New Orleans, empowering young musicians to continue the musical traditions of the jazz legends before them.

Most recently, Acura sponsored a group of twelve musically gifted students from The Trombone Shorty Academy with a visit to Los Angeles. Equipped with MDX SUVs (https://www.acura.com/mdx) to get around town and GoPro cameras to commemorate their visit, the students met with professional agents in the music industry, practiced with the USC marching band, played a private performance at the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. headquarters in Torrance, California and even performed at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The students visited American Honda’s Torrance, Calif., campus to perform for Honda associates last month.  The Trombone Shorty Academy is a program the foundation funds for music education. “Part of nurturing the next generation is to show them the world and what’s possible,” said Trombone Shorty Foundation Executive Director Bill Taylor. “It could not have happened without Acura’s support.”