An exciting and unique band consisting of 24 members will give a free performance in Ames tomorrow playing only one kind of instrument — steel drums.

The band, The Birds of Steel, is a music ministry of the Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church from Phoenix, Arizona.

The style of music for the all-ages show will be a mix of hymns, classical pieces, broadway show tunes and traditional island sounds.

Equally unique is the atmosphere of the concert, since proceeds of the tour go to Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance Cooperative.

Good Neighbor is a local charity that helps those in need pay for rent, utilities, or other necessary expenses. Good Neighbor serves Story county and is operated by seventeen local churches and other service groups.

“The band has worked it so that all of its travel costs are paid for,” Sandy Trcha-Black, secretary of the First United Methodist Church and board member of Good Neighbor, said. “In that way, they will not need to charge admission and will be able to give proceeds from concessions and donations to local charities.”

Although First United Methodist Church is the sponsor of the event, Trcha-Black stresses that the concert is not limited to Christians.

“The concert is open to anyone, and we want people to feel free to come,” she said. “This is why we did not choose our church as a rain location.”

Trcha-Black added that over 100 Ames churches of varying religions were invited and included.

The First United Methodist Church was informed of the band by church members who have a

daughter who performs with The Birds of Steel.

Plans to bring the impressive group to Ames have been in the works since March, Trcha-Black said.

The band first started in 1991 when one woman felt a calling to perform on steel drums. The next year, the band was up to four people and has grown rapidly ever since, Trcha-Black said.

“The age range of the musicians is from seven years old to retirement age. In total, the group has 24 members,” she said.

The Birds of Steel released a new CD in June called “Drummin’ to Beat Hell: In Rhythm with Christ,” and music from the band has also appeared on two other recordings.

“The band makes a really interesting sound,” Trcha-Black said. “It’s amazing what they can do. It’s kind of like different levels of water in several glasses that each make a different sound.”

The Birds of Steel started their 16-day tour on June 3. It will take the group across the country.

The Ames concert will be tomorrow night in Bandshell Park. The show starts at 7:30 and is free of charge. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the City Auditorium.