Seven local musicians who comprise the ensemble BrassWerks will present a benefit concert to support Neighbors in Need at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at Northridge Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

The unique ensemble consists of two trumpets, flugelhorn, trombone, euphonium and tuba, plus percussion. The concert will offer a wonderful range of many well-known pieces spanning from Ludwig Van Beethoven and Modest Mussorgsky, to traditional folk tunes, George Gershwin, Leroy Anderson, and even Freddie Mercury. The group will also play a Don Lawrence original that he composed to commemorate his teaching time in Germany.

Members of the BrassWerks include BJ Lupton - trumpet, Michael Boreson - trumpet, Dana Scranton - flumpet/piccolo trumpet /trumpet, Ben Caudil - tuba, Jim Lehner - trombone, Allen Slater - euphonium and David Barr - percussion.

“We’re so pleased to be supporting Neighbors in Need again this year with this concert,” said spokesman Allen Slater. “We really appreciate Big Sky Alive! and Northridge Church hosting this event. We have an exciting selection of beautiful music sure to put a smile on your face and get your toe tapping.”

Founded in 1975 by local bandleader Don Lawrence, BrassWerks has performed extensively throughout the Flathead Valley for many years. Lawrence wrote almost all the arrangements, and until very recently was one of the performers, most often playing the trombone part.

Dedicated members of BrassWerks are very serious about producing fine music, and have a desire to preserve and promote the wonderful sound of a small brass ensemble,” Slater said. “Their repertoire contains works of over 70 composers. This versatile group performs light classics, big band, ragtime, marches, jazz, hymns, show tunes, and more.

Neighbors In Need is a social service agency providing a fund of last resort that is supported by the churches of the Flathead Valley. Its mission is to meet the needs of people who fall through the cracks of other social service programs. For more information about the group, call 752-8181 or visit info@ninhelps.org

Northridge Lutheran Church is located at 323 Northridge Drive in Kalispell. Admission to the concert is a free-will donation and items of non-perishable food for the Flathead Food Bank. For more information about the concert, call 406-250-8867.