Frenchy Creates 13 Original Paintings in 7 Days Aboard the Big Easy Cruise, Continuing a Powerful Tradition of Music, Art, and Community Impact
Celebrated New Orleans artist Frenchy delivered another unforgettable creative performance aboard the Big Easy Cruise, completing 13 original live paintings in just five days during his third consecutive year as the cruise’s featured live painter.
Throughout the week, Frenchy captured the energy and soul of New Orleans music through live paintings inspired by performances from Cyril Neville, Cowboy Mouth, Trombone Shorty (two paintings), Samantha Fish, Little Feat, George Porter Jr. and his Runnin’ Pardners (two paintings), Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Marc Broussard, Anders Osborne, Larkin Poe, and Honey Island Swamp Band.
A defining moment of the cruise came when one of Frenchy’s live paintings of Trombone Shorty was auctioned onboard, selling for $22,000, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the Trombone Shorty Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to empowering young musicians through mentorship, education, and access to the arts, making the moment a powerful convergence of creativity and community impact.
The moment was especially meaningful given Frenchy and Trombone Shorty’s longstanding relationship, which dates back to the 1990s. During that era, Frenchy held a Jackson Square artist permit, painting daily just behind the brass bands that defined the Square’s sound. Trombone Shorty’s older brother, James Andrews, affectionately known as “12” and often called the “Satchmo of the Ghetto”, performed regularly alongside Glen David Andrews and the legendary Tuba Fats. The musicians welcomed Frenchy to display his work along the fence behind the band, where he painted them throughout the day.
From time to time, James would pick up a young Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews from school and bring him to the Square, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with the music, the art, and the community that shaped him. In the late 1990s, Frenchy painted Trombone Shorty performing alongside his brother at Jackson Square, capturing early moments of a career that would later reach the world stage.
That shared history continued into the streets of New Orleans. During the Krewe du Vieux parade, Frenchy painted with a walking easel as Trombone Shorty marched and played beside him, artist and musician moving in sync, documenting the city in real time.
“This cruise is special,” Frenchy said. “Every year the energy gets stronger, the music gets deeper, and the stories get richer. Being able to paint these moments live, and then see that work directly support the next generation through the Trombone Shorty Foundation, is what it’s all about.”
Frenchy has confirmed he will return to the Big Easy Cruise next year, continuing a tradition that blends live music, visual art, and meaningful philanthropy. As each year builds on the last, one thing is clear: the best is still ahead.