Pipers to perform at Kroc Center

Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums of North Idaho will host "Piping for Princes" from 7-9:20 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene.

The show, a benefit for the organization, will feature Great Highland bagpipes, Scottish side drums, flourishing tenors, smallpipes, a fiddler, singing, dancing, clogging, and general light humor.

Ticket prices are $12 for children younger than 12 and 60-plus, or $15 for all others. There is only one show and seating is limited. Tickets are available through the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road. They can be purchased online at www.kroccda.org.

Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums of North Idaho is a group of people with a common love for Celtic heritage. Most members are true descendants of a specific lineage in Scotland and it is this heritage that spurs them on to learning piping, drumming, and dancing.

The band was founded in 2000 by two employees of Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River near Oldtown.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization has provided free lessons each week and helped many lovers of piping, drumming, and Highland dancing take their first steps.

During the summer, the band performs in local parades in Idaho, Washington, and Montana in an effort to promote interest in its passion. As the group has grown, it has become impossible to find matching uniforms for its 30 playing members.

Proceeds of the Feb. 22 performance will pay for new "Prince Charlie" jackets and vests, part of the traditional Scottish piper's uniform. The purchase of black formal uniforms will allow the band to pay honor and respect to those who have served our country by dressing appropriately for the many memorials and funerals at which it is asked to play.

Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums is based in Sandpoint and members will come from as far away as Libby, Trout Creek, and Heart Butte, Mont.; Newport, Wash.; and Oldtown, Idaho, to perform at the Kroc Center.

Those who wish to sponsor a uniform, or part of a uniform, will be listed in the "Piping for Princes" program. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15.

Donations of items for raffle baskets are needed as well.

To support the organization, contact Janelle: (208) 772-0833.