The Bryce Jordan Center's 255th touring event ever is set to kick off with a bang -- and some horns, as well as many bagpipes.

Great Britain's Band of the Grenadier Guards along with The Pipes and Drums of the Scots Highlanders will march onto the arena floor and perform the first show of their nationwide tour tonight.

Although some of the musicians had trouble getting their instruments through customs earlier in the week, they still had time to practice, and will perform as scheduled.

The 80 military musicians will play music from England, Scotland, Ireland and the United States while marching to choreographed steps.

The performance is a time-honored tradition and this "Hands Across the Sea" tour is meant to give a sense of celebration to the ongoing unity between Britain and the United States.

"It's fostering the relationship between the two countries," Maj. Richard Maundrell said.

Although the Grenadier Guards and the Highlanders will perform together at times, they are two separate regiments.

Usually recognized by their famous large black hats -- traditionally called Bearskins -- the Grenadier Guards are stationed at Wellington Barracks, which is close to Buckingham Palace located in central London.

Their history can be traced back to 1656 when the "First of Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards" was established.

Although the band is permitted to perform events similar to the one scheduled this evening, its primary function is that of a Regiment Band.

They have performed at Queen Elizabeth II's birthday parade, the daily changing of the guard at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, and at many other royal family engagements.

All members of the band have the dual role of musician and soldier. In the event of a war they must serve as medical attendants. The band was told to retire their instruments to be put on 24-hour standby during the Gulf War.

Also easily recognizable by its traditional Gordon and Cameron kilts is The Highlanders Regiment.

The Highlanders trace their ancestry to 1778 when regiments were raised in the Scottish Highlands in order to aid in the fight against French and American revolutionaries.

Considering the showpiece of the regiment, the Pipes and Drums have performed worldwide. Similar to the Grenadier Guards, the pipers and drummers also serve the dual role of musicians and active soldiers.

They are first and foremost soldiers who are trained early on as infantrymen and later as the machine gun platoon. Currently they are able to provide mobility and counter mobility support to their battalion in times of war.

Bernie Punt, director of sales and marketing for the Bryce Jordan Center, said the music created by these amazing musicians is capable of making the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

Punt told of how last Friday, he accompanied Cpl. Martin Mac Donald to the Waffle Shop, 1610 W College Ave. When the manager of the Waffle Shop saw that Mac Donald had his bagpipes with him, he asked if he could be treated to a song. After a bit of hesitation, Mac Donald obliged and filled the eatery with the sounds of his instrument. When he was through, the entire restaurant was standing in applause.

"I just had goose bumps," Punt said.

And that was with just one bagpiper.