[Review] Shorty Gras 2024

Since 2020, Shorty Gras has become a beloved tradition in New Orleans. The beloved concert meets Mardi Gras ball follows the Krewe de Freret’s parade on Saturday night. Previous performers have included Flo Rida, Tank and the Bangas, Mannie Fresh, and more.

Due to the scheduled showers on Saturday, the Krewe of Freret rolled at 11:00 am. But you can’t rain on their parade. The party continued as scheduled at Mardi Gras World that night with showstopping performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dumpstaphunk, and the Soul Rebels Brass Band. This year’s special guest was New Orleans’ own, Juvenile! Plus, in between sets Khris Royal kept the party going as he DJ-ed while playing saxophone on top of a float in the ballroom!

This year’s headliner was Nelly. During his over hour-long set, the St. Louis native took attendees through his fast discography. From his 2000 hip-hop classics like “E.I.” and “Country Grammar (Hot Shit)” to his 2010 hit, “Just a Dream” to his country anthems, “Lil Bit” and “Cruise (Remix).” And that’s just me scratching the surface. Nelly has so many cross-genre hits unless his belt from the last two decades, it’s insane! If you missed Nelly, he’ll be back this July as he opens for Janet Jackson’s Together Again Tour at the Smoothie King Center. 

Every year Shorty Gras continues to get bigger and better, you could tell from the crowd size alone! If you’re visiting New Orleans next Mardi Gras, make sure you add Shorty Gras (and watching the Krewe of Freret) to your list.