The Heidelberg Brass Band will perform October 14th at 2:00 pm at the Eicher arts Center, 409 Cocalico St. in Ephrata Borough’s Grater Park.

German and Polish polka music is a big part of the repertoire of the band, which has been entertaining the public in Lancaster and Berks counties for more than six decades. It has performed for 44 consecutive years at the annual Kutztown Folk Festival in Berks that celebrates the heritage of the German-speaking settlers of Pennsylvania.

Heidelberg in the band’s name came from its origins in Heidelberg Township, Berks County. For many years it was the Heidelberg Polka Band. It changed its name to the Heidelberg Brass Band to reflect the songs of other genres it sometimes plays, such as the Blue Skirt Waltz and Iowa Brigade Band March.

The band’s brass instruments includes four trumpets, a tuba, a baritone and trombone. Glen A. Beard Sr. is its drummer. A Lutheran minister, Glen A. Beard Jr. of Ephrata, is band manager, sings, sometimes fills in on the drums and adds humor and commentary at the band’s performances.

Admission to the October 14th show is free. Refreshments will be provided. Donations to the Eicher Arts Center will be accepted.