Trombone Shorty: Igniting the Fire
Words by Rahsaan “Wordslave” Eldridge
Photos by Steve Satzberg
Opening Trombone Shorty recently, The War and Treaty exploded onto the stage at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center with their opening number, “Litty.” Husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter immediately took the audience to church with a pounding backbeat, gospel shouts, and an emphatic call-and-response of “nah nah nah.”
Michael showcased a remarkable vocal range, moving effortlessly from gritty, full-throated belts to agile runs across the scale. His rough-edged growl perfectly complemented Tanya’s rich, buttery tone. Among the highlights was the heartfelt ballad “Don’t Say Goodbye,” which recalled the chemistry of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell while carrying the warmth of ’90s R&B. “I Can’t Let You Go” continued the emotional thread, telling the story of a couple determined not to “crash and burn.”
The emotional peak of the set came with a stirring mashup of the gospel standards “Amazing Grace” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The performance brought tears to my eyes. Michael, an Army veteran, asked the audience to pray for the troops as the couple transformed the pavilion into a sanctuary. Fans waved their hands in praise, shouted “Amen,” and rewarded the duo with a standing ovation after their final song.
Watch The War and Treaty perform “Amazing Grace” live on YouTube:
On July 18, the evening’s second act featured legendary soul singer Mavis Staples, whose self-appointed mission was to bring “joy, happiness, inspiration, and positive vibration.”
From the opening notes, Staples’ voice felt like a warm embrace from a beloved relative you haven’t seen in years. The weathered grit of her 87-year-old voice settled beautifully into the gentle rhythm of “I’ll Fly Away.” She lifted her hand toward the sky while proclaiming herself “Just Another Soldier in the Army of Love.” During a playful crowd check, Staples shouted “Wolf Trap!” before unleashing a blues howl worthy of her hero Howlin’ Wolf.
Before performing “Beautiful Strangers,” Staples sat down as though gathering everyone around her feet to share an important story. The song reflected on how she hoped to be remembered — as a faithful servant to God, love, and humanity. Its sweet melody floated through the pavilion, carried by background vocals that drifted like a cool breeze after a storm.
Staples delivered “Love Train” and “Freedom Highway” with unmistakable conviction before speaking directly to the audience. “We don’t need no kings; we don’t need ICE; we don’t need nobody telling women what to do with our bodies!” she declared, drawing one of the night’s loudest reactions. She closed her set with “No Time for Cryin’,” reminding everyone that the work of justice and compassion is never finished.
Watch Mavis Staples perform “No Time for Cryin'” live on YouTube:
Flashing red lights announced the night’s headliner before Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews strode onto the stage clad in black leather and dark sunglasses. He immediately attacked his trombone with ferocious energy, opening with “I Feel Like Funkin’ It Up.” The song’s vocal hook evoked Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers’ go-go classic “Bustin’ Loose,” an especially fitting nod so close to the nation’s capital. Andrews danced across the stage with infectious joy from the very first song.
By the second number, “Lifted,” it was clear that Andrews’ singing voice was nearly as impressive as his renowned trombone playing. The opening stretch of the set delivered muscular funk-rock while remaining deeply rooted in the brass-band traditions of his hometown, New Orleans.
The momentum never let up. “It Ain’t No Use” and “I Just Want My Heart Back” featured standout tenor saxophone work from Orlando Gilbert, while Andrews paid tribute to legendary New Orleans venues Blue Nile and Tipitina’s, reminding the audience of the musical community that shaped him.
“Lie to Me” became an irresistible dance party fueled by Latin rhythms. Andrews effortlessly switched between trombone, trumpet, and timbales, trading fiery solos with the drummer as the pounding bass drum reverberated through the pavilion. Later, during “Fire and Brimstone,” he revealed yet another talent by taking a turn on keyboards. Everything he touched sounded effortless.
The band eased off the accelerator only briefly for the funky ballad “Something Beautiful,” featuring expressive guitar work from Pete Moreno alongside Andrews’ surprisingly graceful falsetto.
Watch Trombone Shorty perform “Something Beautiful” live on YouTube:
Throughout the performance, Andrews proved himself far more than a virtuoso instrumentalist. He is a consummate entertainer who effortlessly blends funk, jazz, rock, R&B, soul, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans into something entirely his own. Every song celebrated the city that shaped him while pushing its musical traditions forward.
As rain began falling over Wolf Trap at the end of the evening, the fire Trombone Shorty and his band ignited onstage refused to cool. The audience left soaked by the weather but energized by one of the summer’s most exhilarating performances.
Here are some photos of Trombone Shorty performing live at Wolf Trap on July 18, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
Here are some photos of The War and Treaty performing live at Wolf Trap on July 18, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
