Big slice of New Orleans comes 'blowin' in' to MSU in early March

Contact: Sammy McDavid

STARVILLE, Miss.--New Orleans' famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band is bringing its timeless river-city repertoire to Mississippi State for a March 4 performance.

The 7:30 p.m. concert in Lee Hall auditorium is another in the university's 2007-08 Lyceum Series events.

Available at the door, tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, by request; and $8 for children 3-12 years. MSU students are admitted free with valid identification. Advance tickets are available via www.ticketweb.com.

Under the leadership of current director Ben Jaffe, the seven-member group is master of the joyful spirit and hardy resolve that is the Crescent City. In addition to venues throughout the United States, the band has performed in Europe, Asia and other worldwide venues.

Closed for several months after Hurricane Katrina, the limited-seating, no-reservation French Quarter hall the band calls home reopened in late April of 2006. In addition to celebrating a recovery from the 2005 storm's record-setting devastation, the first post-Katrina performance at the 726 St. Peter St. location recognized the group's 45th anniversary.

For additional information on the 2007-08 Lyceum Series, telephone 662-325-4201 or visit www.msstate.edu/dept/lyceum. For more on the band, visit www.preservationhall.com.

For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.