(New Orleans)–The College of Music and Fine Arts at Loyola University New Orleans is proud to kick off its Jazz Underground Series with, “The Second Annual Coltrane Festival,” featuring Tony Dagradi and Friends, this Thursday, September 21, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. The line-up includes Tony Dagradi and Clarence Johnson, sax; John Vidacovich, drums; Michael Pellera, piano; and Chris Severin, bass. The performance will take place in the Underground, located in the basement of the Danna Center, Loyola's student union.

The Jazz Underground Series is part of Loyola’s 2006-2007 Montage Arts Season, which showcases some of the top fine and performing arts events in the region. Organized by Associate Professor of Saxophone, Tony Dagradi, the series boasts an eclectic line-up of six solo and ensemble jazz acts that will perform on Loyola’s campus throughout the 2006- 2007 season. Each Jazz Underground performance honors a jazz great, including visionaries like Art Blakey, Coleman Hawkins, and Hermeto Poscoal.

Tickets are $10.general admission, $5 students and Loyola community with ID. For further details, please contact Elizabeth Dalferes in the Office of Public Affairs at (504) 861- 5882, or email eadalfer@loyno.edu. For more information on the Montage Arts Season, please visit www.montage.loyno.edu.

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