ShortyFest and its free block party are back Monday

How it works: The Trombone Shorty Foundation inspires young locals to get involved in the city's music traditions by offering free after-school music education, apprenticeship programs in music production and music business, and cultural exchanges.

• ShortyFest is its biggest annual fundraiser, says Bill Taylor, the foundation's executive director.

What they're saying: "These young New Orleanians have a transformational experience where they hopefully identify what direction they want to go in their life," Taylor says.

• "But [we] also nurture the next generation of young, entrepreneurial creative students in the city that are hopefully going to carry on the broader culture in a powerful way in the future."

If you go: The block party is free and all ages are welcome. There are performances by brass bands, a high school marching band battle of the battles and Mardi Gras Indians.

• Doors open at 7pm for the benefit concert inside Tipitina's. It includes a full set from Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, plus the Black Opry Revue, The Jersey Takeover with Dogs In A Pile and special guests Robert Randolph and Jake Clemons. Tickets.