Everybody loves a good band, be it in a parade, on a football field or in a concert hall. Unfortunately, bands also suffer the stereotype of always being remembered for playing marches or jazz.

Now, Sousa was a great composer, and jazz is a wonderful genre, but a good band has experience in many different musical styles; stage and film, classical overtures, and folk music, for example.

The River City Brass Band is familiar with these and many other musical forms. It has managed to break the band stereotype by diversifying its program to include a wide variety of musical selections.

The River City Brass Band takes the stage at 8 p.m. tomorrow in Eisenhower Auditorium. Debuting in 1981, the band enjoyed 19 years of success as it promoted music education programs and the formation of youth brass bands throughout the United States.

The band, which consists of 28 members, emphasizes the work of American composers.

The band cultivates an interactive atmosphere with conductor Denis Colwell engaging the audience in conversation throughout the performance. Involving the audience relieves some of the formal tension that tends to accompany a traditional band concert.

The River City Brass Band is no stranger to Penn State, having performed here multiple times, most recently in 1998. "In the past they have always pleased the crowd," said Peter Wray, Center for Performing Arts press and public relations manager.

During the course of touring, the band has taken the time to release several recordings including Pittsburgh On Parade, Footlifters, Concert In the Park and Big Brass Band.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, "This band is not to be mistaken for a gazebo-in-the-park group playing marches and show tunes for summer picnics."

Ticket prices are $23 for the general public, $18 for students, $8 for Penn State students and $12 for children 12 and younger. To purchase tickets, call the Arts Ticket Center at 863-0255.