Trombone Shorty, George Benson and Melvin Rhyne at Indy Jazz Fest

I’ve seen Trombone Shorty in concert three times now — four, if you count this spring’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival when I could only get close enough to hear him — and I’m convinced that he’s the most dynamic live performer in the world. Gogol Bordello’s the only act that’s even close.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews funked up the crowd at the 2011 Indianapolis Jazz fest with his trombone, his trumpet, his voice and his dance moves. James Brown would have been proud. So, for that matter, would Louis Armstrong, Andrews’ hero. In fact, as much as I loved the other tunes, Andrews’ performance of “Sunny Side of the Street” was the highlight of the whole festival.

Andrews added some funky flourishes to Armstrong’s classic song, but he also made it tender, a loving tribute to their hometown, New Orleans. And even the youngsters in the crowd exploded when Andrews sustained a high note on his trumpet for several minutes.

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George Benson’s a star, but he still took time to check out the Indianapolis Guitar Summit before his own set. He also told stories about some of his old friends and colleagues, notably trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, who hailed from Indianapolis. He reserved his kindest words, though for organist Melvin Rhyne, another Naptown native, who played earlier in the afternoon. And Benson dedicated his set to Wes Montgomery, Rhyne’s old musical partner. That certainly endeared Benson to the Indy Jazz Fest crowd, which already adored him.

Benson oozed through some of his biggest hits such as “Masquerade,” “Give Me the Night” and “On Broadway.” The tune that resonated the most with me, though, was “Tequila,” which Rhyne and his trio had performed a couple of hours earlier. As I listened to Benson play, I couldn’t help but wish that he’d jumped on stage with Rhyne when the venerable organist had played it in his set. That really would have been special.