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.
About Frenchy
Frenchy is a New Orleans–based artist internationally known for his expressive live paintings that capture the emotion, rhythm, and soul of music and culture. With deep roots in the New Orleans music community, his work bridges art, performance, and storytelling, often created live, in the moment, where the music lives.
About The Big Easy Cruise
The Big Easy Cruise is more than a music cruise, it’s a true celebration of New Orleans culture at sea. With over 75 performances, artist Q&As, and immersive experiences like Frenchy painting LIVE, Minx Burlesque shows, cooking demonstrations with Chef Kevin Belton, the week captures the spirit that defines the city. For Frenchy, it’s a rare space where music, art, food, and community come together in the same way they do on the streets of New Orleans. The 2027 cruise sails January 16-23, 2027 out of Ft. Lauderdale and cabins are now on sale at BigEasyCruise.com
About The Trombone Shorty Foundation
The Trombone Shorty Foundation is a New Orleans–based nonprofit organization founded by Grammy-nominated musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews to use music as a vehicle for youth development and cultural preservation.
At its core, the foundation’s mission is to inspire the next generation through music education, mentorship, instruction, and performance. It honors the deep musical traditions of New Orleans, where jazz, brass bands, R&B, funk, and other genres are woven into the fabric of community life, by equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to flourish both as musicians and as leaders.
Founded in 2011–2012 by Trombone Shorty, the organization channels his own journey and mentors’ influence into a structured program that supports youth from early music exposure through professional development.