UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's Centre Dimensions jazz ensemble will present its annual Mardi Gras concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, in Esber Recital Hall. The big band's program takes an historical spin on the great musical culture of New Orleans and its incredible influence on America and the world. Numerous musical styles, sounds and stories will fill the hall with the magic only found during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A reception will follow the concert in the Esber Recital Hall lobby. The music director of Centre Dimensions is Marko Marcinko.

Ticket prices are $4.99 for general admission and $2 for students. No advance ticket purchase is available. The ticket sale is cash only and will begin 45 minutes prior to the concert in the lobby. This concert is also available via live stream at the Penn State School of Music website.

Program to include:

A Closer Walk with Thee - Traditional

On the Sunny Side of the Street - Jimmy McHugh

Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans? - Louis Alter and Eddie De Lange

Jackson Square - Dennis DiBlasio

Afro Blue - Mongo Santamaria

Cissy Strut - The Meters

Iko-Iko - Traditional

Jambalaya - Traditional

A Tribute to Congo Square (drum circle)

When the Saints Go Marching In - Traditional

Centre Dimensions, the premier 20-piece jazz ensemble at Penn State, performs frequently on campus and tours throughout Pennsylvania and the East. In addition, Centre Dimensions performs and works with several internationally known artists each year. Previous guests have included Phil Woods (saxophone), Cyrus Chesnut (piano), Bob Mintzer (saxophone), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), George Rabbai (trumpet, vocals), Dennis DiBlasio (baritone saxophone), Lynn Seaton (bass), and Slide Hampton (trombone). The ensemble performs a challenging repertoire of modern and classic jazz, as well as originals written by the director. This highly selective ensemble is open by audition to undergraduate and graduate students in all majors.