On Monday night, sounds of New Orleans jazz could be heard across campus as Astral Project performed for Southern Miss students and faculty members at Bennett Auditorium.

Throughout the show, the band’s members expressed passion in their performance and the positive mood translated well with audience members.

“I love jazz and I just always wanted to see this group perform,” said USM student Camila Patino.

The critically acclaimed band first performed at USM in summer 1996 at the Southern Arts Festival after Lawrence Panella, director of jazz studies, heard about the group from a fellow musician. “Tony Dagradi (saxes), Steve Masakowski (guitar), James Singleton (bass), and Johnny Vidacovich (drums) are each outstanding on their own, but together it is an extraordinary musical adventure,” Panella said.

The show marked the first event in the School of Music’s Connoisseur Series, which seeks to bring students and community members together through music. “It’s a really good way for us to get the community involved and raise music awareness on campus,” said Aaron Strum, assistant director of marketing for the school of music.

For more information about Astral Project, visit www.astralproject.com.