"The blues is bigger than most people think." -- Taj Mahal

It was an unforgettable night of music on August 20 as hundreds of Loyola Academy parents, alumni, and friends celebrated the opening of the new McGrath Family Performing Arts Center with a private concert by Grammy Award-winning blues legend Taj Mahal A brilliant artist with a musicologist's mind, Taj Mahal, now 76-years-old, is a towering musical figure who has been making music for six decades His work reveals the magnificent scope of blues to the world.

Over the years, Taj has emerged as a mind-boggling, multifaceted player In addition to the guitar, he has become proficient on about 20 different instruments and counting No one is as simultaneously traditional and avantgarde Tracing origins to the American South, the Caribbean, Africa, and elsewhere, he has created entirely new sounds over and over again, inspiring rock-and-roll icons, such as Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, along with ambitious artists toiling in obscurity

"Taj Mahal was a superb choice to open our new performing arts center," says Vice President of Advancement Bob Miller. "There's a warmth and a joy to his music that captures the excitement and opportunity we all feel about this new performing arts space and what it means for our students."

Taj delighted the audience during a 90-minute set, playing on six different instruments including a number of guitars and a keyboard Notably, Billy Branch, a Chicago-based American blues harmonica player and singer of Chicago blues, joined Taj on stage. He closed with his 1987 hit "Everybody is Somebody," an upbeat country blues anthem

"It was a magical night for everyone and a wonderful way to celebrate our new McGrath Family Performing Arts Center," says graduate parent Scott Rafferty, who is a longtime fan and, together with his wife Mary, had the unique opportunity to meet Taj Mahal after the show Scott and Mary are parents of four Rambler alumni: Thomas '09, John '11, Danny '13, and Charles '16.

For more information on the arts at LA, including upcoming shows, visit goramblers.org/thearts.