BROOKINGS — A vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras with an unforgettable concert featuring Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra is coming to campus this week thanks to Woodbine Productions.

The event, starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center at South Dakota State University, is the musicians’ only performance in South Dakota.

Delfeayo Marsalis, a renowned trombonist, jazz educator, composer and producer, along with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, promises an electrifying evening of jazz music that will transport audiences straight to the heart of New Orleans' iconic Mardi Gras festivities.

"We are excited to bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to Brookings with the incomparable talent of Delfeayo Marsalis and his ensemble," said David Reynolds, director of the SDSU School of Performing Arts. "This concert will be a celebration of music, culture and community, and we can't wait to share this experience with everyone."

The Oscar Larson Theatre, known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, will provide the perfect setting for an evening filled with soulful melodies and infectious rhythms, provided by some of the finest musicians of the Big Easy.

Tickets for the Mardi Gras-themed concert, priced at $28-$49, are selling quickly and can be purchased online at www.woodbineproductions.com or by calling 605-688-5187.

Woodbine Productions is a unique project funded by an anonymous benefactor and coordinated through the SDSU Foundation and the SDSU School of Performing Arts. The project, now in its 17th year, is committed to promoting cultural enrichment and artistic excellence for the benefit of residents in and around Brookings, SDSU and the School of Performing Arts. All tickets sold for Woodbine Productions performances support music scholarships for SDSU students.

For more information about the event, visit www.woodbineproductions.com or contact the SDSU School of Performing Arts at 605-688-5187.