Over spring break, two of Loyola’s own will host a music festival right in the heart of the city.

The two halves of local record label Community Records — music industries senior Daniel “D-Ray” Ray and Greg Rodrigue, marketing A ’08 — have organized Block Party 2009, an all-day music festival set to roll April 11 at The Big Top music venue on Clio Street.

Eight touring bands and nine local bands will perform Ska — a Jamaican genre, punk and folk music on two stages. This year’s headliner is Dan Potthast, lead singer of the St. Louis-based band MU330.

“More of the bands are geared to a dirtier, darker kind of Ska than bands like Reel Big Fish play,” Ray said. “You’ll hear more minor chords, throwing (in) fast horn parts and guitar riffs.”

Block Party only made its debut last year, but has already expanded to include more bands and more vendors this year. Only a few bands are repeats from the last festival, according to Rodrigue. This year, expect food from Juan’s Flying Burrito and Slice Pizzeria, and raffles for a bike and skateboard.

“Preparing for this year has been a lot smoother,” Ray said. “We’ve already built a name for ourselves, for our label, and for bands with the label.”

A recently revealed addition to the lineup is the popular local Ska band Fatter Than Albert, which Ray and Rodrigue are both members of. The band has been on hiatus since Jan. 16.

After Rodrigue graduating last spring, he and Ray began operating Community Records full time. Now, the return of Block Party for a second year is a sign of personal and professional success for Rodrigue.

“Last year we paved this road, this year we’re re-tracking down that same road and going a little further,” Rodrigue said. “It’s a very idealistic goal, but I know its something were completely capable of achieving.”

Admission is $12, or $10 with a food or clothing donation to the New Orleans Mission. However, admission is free to anyone wearing the “Safety — Bats” T-shirt design, available on the Community Records website.

Doors open at noon; the festival will last until between 11 p.m and midnight. In case of rain, touring bands performing outside will move indoors, and local bands scheduled for outside will play a show at The Big Top April 16. The Big Top is located at 1638 Clio St. More information and volunteer opportunities for the festival can be found at http://www.communityrecords.org.

Kevin Zansler can be reached at [email protected].