Chan Centre Kicks Off Thrilling Season with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) launches its 2016/17 season with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, September 25, 2016 at 7pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. New Orleans native "Trombone Shorty" - aka TRoy Andrews - along with his five-member band, Orleans Avenue, will perform an electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, rock, and hip-hop reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of their hometown.

"Our vision for the 2016/17 series is to present a dynamic range of artists who use their art as a powerful and uplifting tool to transcend differences," says Joyce Hinton, Co-Managing Director of the Chan Centre. "Trombone Shorty is a brilliant example of such an individual. His vibrant songs cross musical and cultural borders, spreading joy and uniting audiences of all ages and backgrounds."

Trombone Shorty began his career as a bandleader at the young age of six, and toured internationally at age 12. He spent his teens playing with various brass bands throughout New Orleans, and touring worldwide with Lenny Kravitz. The New York Times described the brass virtuoso as "a native prodigy destined for breakout success", and The San Francisco Chronicle touted him as "New Orleans' brightest new star in a generation". He fronts Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue who have toured across the U.S., Europe, Australia, Russia, Japan and Brazil.

In 2010, Trombone Shorty released his debut album, the GRAMMY-nominated Backatown, followed by For True in 2011, which topped Billboard Magazine's Contemporary Jazz Chart for 12 weeks. His newest album, Say That to Say This, was released in 2013 and features funk/jazz elements straight from New Orleans.

Trombone Shorty appeared in several episodes of HBO's Treme, and recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Conan. In 2012, he performed at the White House in honor of Black History Month with music royalty such as B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck and Booker T. Jones. At this year's GRAMMY Awards, he played alongside Madonna, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Mary Lambert. In 2012, Trombone Shorty received the President's Medal from Tulane University in recognition of his charitable work with the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which donates quality instruments to schools across New Orleans.

For this anticipated Chan Centre appearance, Trombone Shorty will be joined on stage with Orleans Avenue band members MIke Ballardon bass guitar, Pete Murano on guitar, BK Jackson on tenor sax, Dan Oestreicher on baritone sax, and Joey Peebles on drums.

Chan Centre Connects Events (chancentre.com/connects)
A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre Presents performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.

• Pre-Show Talk with Kia Kadiri - Sunday September 25 / 6:15pm @ Royal Bank Cinema. Kia Kadiri-hip hop artist, educator and mentor-talks about her role with Vancouver's Streetrich Hip Hop Society where she works with marginalized youth to help them find their voices through poetry, music, dance, and performing arts.

About The Chan Centre for Performing Arts at UBC (chancentre.com)
Since 1997, The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in UBC's Arts & Culture District has earned an international reputation for its striking design, stellar acoustics, and exceptional programming. Artists, critics, and patrons alike are unanimous in their praise of the facility, winning it a place among North America's premier performing arts venues. The Chan Centre boasts three unique venues: the superb Chan Shun Concert Hall, the dramatic Telus Studio Theatre, and the intimate Royal Bank Cinema. From classical, jazz, theatre, and opera to world music, the Chan Centre is a vital part of UBC campus life where artistic and academic disciplines merge to inspire new perspectives on life and culture. Past performers and guest speakers include Wynton Marsalis, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Renée Fleming, Dan Savage, Yo-Yo Ma, Mariza, Sigur Rós, Mavis Staples, Lila Downs, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock.

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