Jazz saxophonist Mitch Paliga performs Jan. 31 at North Central College

The performance begins at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in North Central College’s Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $20/adults and $15/students and seniors; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Paliga is an active performer, educator and composer based in the Chicago area. He has taught at Benedictine University, Governor’s State University and the Old Town School of Folk Music. Since 2007 he has been touring with actor/musician Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band. As a member of the band, he has performed in Europe, Canada, Afghanistan, South Korea, Japan and throughout the United States.

In 2008, he performed with the band Kimotion at the Ho Chi Minh Conservatory of Music and the Hue Festival in Vietnam. He also has previously performed with Marie Osmond, Randy Brecker, The Temptations, Bob Newhart, Victor Kraus and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.

Paliga has a master’s degree in jazz pedagogy from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in music from Eastern New Mexico University. He has been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Chicago Community Arts Assistance Program Grant. His personal discography includes the albums “Blythe Moments” and “Fall Night.”

North Central College’s 2013-2014 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially sponsored by USG Corporation and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Season supporters include BMO Harris, Bulley & Andrews, Casa by Charleston, Grant Thornton, J.P. Morgan, Main Street Promenade, Marquette Properties, Nicor Gas, Ryan Hill Realty, Turner Construction Company, U.S. Bank Private Client Reserve and Water Street Development.