From Germany to Post Falls

POST FALLS - Post Falls will renew its relationship with its associate city of Herborn, Germany, tonight during a free concert by the Herborn Big Band at Q'emiln Park from 6-9 p.m.

"We hare happy to come back to Idaho," said Kathi Gabriel, the band's secretary and wife of conductor Erwin Gabriel.

It will be the band's fourth performance in Post Falls. Herborn is the birthplace of Post Falls founder Frederick Post. The concert is open to the public.

Erwin Gabriel founded the orchestra in 1978 and created the "Sound of Seelbach," which has become a trademark of the band.

Comprised of 35 musicians from ages 10 to 48, Gabriel led the band to the next generation.

The band has released 14 records and has made several TV and radio appearances.

This is the band's ninth tour in the United States since 1981.

The band is sometimes referred to as the "red devils" due to the members' flaming red jackets and their passion for big band music in the style of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Benny Goodman.

Band members will meet with Coeur d'Alene Tribe members on Sunday for a historical gathering.

The band will perform at German Fest in Milwaukee, the largest German festival in the country, later this month.