By: John Imsdahl

July 18, 2025

It’s rare to experience a truly unique musical moment, but on Friday, July 11, Troy Andrews–known to fans as Trombone Shorty–delivered exactly that to a crowd of nearly 4,000 at Surly Brewing.

Doors opened at 6:00 p.m. beneath threatening skies, with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect. The crowd was slow to arrive, likely due to the hot, muggy conditions and the radar lighting up with yellow and orange storm clusters nearby. Still, by the time southern swamp-rockers JJ Grey and Mofro hit the stage at 7:00, a respectable crowd had gathered.

As the weather cleared, the sun broke through and began beating down on concertgoers, almost certainly boosting Surly’s beverage sales for the night.

JJ Grey and Mofro played a crowd-pleasing set that mixed new songs and old favorites, helping set a great tone for what was to come. Grey’s harmonica playing drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd and showcased why he, along with his band, has built a fanbase with over 100 million plays on Spotify.

By the time Trombone Shorty and his talented ensemble of musicians and backup singers took the stage, the crowd had grown significantly. One Surly employee estimated a capacity crowd of about 4,000, though that may have been a bit optimistic. Either way, the venue was full of energy and anticipation.

Homages to New Orleans were everywhere. Attendees wore T-shirts featuring Tulane University, Jazz Fest, and Saints logos, and many sported the city’s signature purple, green, and gold. One standout shirt simply read, “jazz and liquor.”

The band matched the crowd’s enthusiasm for all things New Orleans by sharing excitement for a Minnesota music legend. They paid tribute to Prince and delivered a funked-out version of “Let’s Get Crazy” that had the audience dancing and singing along. Trombone Shorty gave a nod to his home in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans and played an updated, inspired rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Shorty and his band’s versatility was on full display when they launched into a medley of late 1990s and early 2000s hip hop. Their set included “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile, “Get Low” by Lil Jon, and “Roll On” by Big Tymers, before somehow closing with a surprisingly fitting finale of “Rollin’” by Limp Bizkit, which is something I never thought I’d write.

It’s safe to say I’ve never heard, and likely will never again hear, a set that includes both “When the Saints Go Marching In” and anything by Limp Bizkit. Few musicians have the range and credibility to pull it off with such confidence and entertainment value.

As they played right up to the mandatory 10:00 p.m. cutoff, the biggest drawback of outdoor venues in Minneapolis, Shorty promised to return to Minnesota soon. The crowd erupted in cheers. No matter when he comes back, it won’t be soon enough.