Getting stranded in Boston and receiving only four hours of sleep in the past 36 hours apparently had little effect on the German brass band. The group performed for its first time in Danville Wednesday evening.

Several local families got their first glimpse of Musikverein Herforst, and the band got acquainted to central Kentucky with a common ritual in these parts -- an American barbecue.

"We are excited and doing great," said Volker Legrand, secretary of Musikverein Herforst. "It's a lovely countryside. We're enjoying some good weather here."

Legrand said the warm Kentucky sun highlighted an eventful day for the band, which included a trip to Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.

Today, the band slips off to visit a distillery in Versailles, followed by a trip to Fayette Mall in Lexington.

The band will be treated to another picnic tonight before spending the next few days in "wonderful downtown Danville," said Milton Reigelman, the host of Wednesday's barbecue.

After an event-filled weekend in Danville, the band will get a chance to let their hair down at King's Island theme park in Cincinnati.

The Advocate Brass Band and Musikverein Herforst will spend a few hours together Sunday night at a cookout, an event designed to let band members mingle. The two will again unite at a festival in Germany this summer.

Legrand's father, Peter, says he has been thrilled with the warm reception the band has received thus far in his first trip to the states.

"We are so grateful for the kindness of the people," he said. "We have been treated very kindly. This year, when we are hosting our festival, we are having a German-American friendship evening to show our appreciation for the kindness here."

The Great American Brass Band Festival kicks off in Danville Friday morning with a Conference on Band History beginning at 9 at Norton Center for the Arts.

The Great American Balloon Race will take place at Stuart Powell Field at 6 p.m. Friday, with some live music and games featured.

On Saturday, bands will begin playing at Weisiger Park, Constitution Square, and Farmers Bank at 9 a.m. The Centre Shoppes Bookstore will host bands beginning at 10 a.m. Festivities on the Centre College main stage will begin at 11 a.m. and on the Norton Center lawn beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Action will continue at many spots during the day, and the Olympia Brass Band will wrap things up on the Centre College main stage starting at 9:30 p.m.

On Sunday, all action will take place on the Centre College main stage, starting with a community church service at 9:30 a.m.