Iberia Community Band President Charles Guidry, at right playing French horn with the band, said today’s Wine and Cheese Concert in Loreauville is dedicated to the late Paul Schwing in honor of his support of the band through the years.

The Iberia Community Band is one of the bright spots in the Teche Area’s musical tapestry. A volunteer effort of musicians from across the area, the band is known for being there when needed, whether as a big band or in one of its offshoots, like the Iberia Jazz Band or the Iberia Swamp Band.

It’s definitely a labor of love for those involved. The band is a non-profit organization, and plays most of its shows for free. The one exception every year is its annual Wine and Cheese concert, which will happen tonight at St. Theresa’s Hall, next to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loreauville.

This show will have a different meaning for the band and for many in the audience. Paul Schwing, the Mayor of Downtown New iberia, was a longtime booster of the Iberia Community Band. With his passing earlier this year, the band lost not only a benefactor but a stalwart supporter and friend who appreciated the group for what it was — neighbors he shared time with who had the talent to bring music to the community.

The band will dedicate tonight’s show to the memory of Schwing, said Iberia Community Band President Charles Guidry. He spoke to the Daily Iberian about the show as well as what attendees can expect to see and hear.

How long have you been a part of the band?

I finished at UL in 2001, so I’ve played French horn with the band since about 2002.

What is special about tonight’s show?

This is our annual Wine and Cheese Concert. It’s the only one we charge for. We provide sandwiches, wine and cheese for whoever wants to listen. It’s a way for us to raise money to buy sheet music and other items for the band.

What is the repertoire for the evening?

For this concert, titled “Legends of Music,” we’ll be playing one song each from a variety of artists. We’re doing one from Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Chicago, Journey — we even have a piece from New Orleans, something you would hear if you were strolling through the French Quarter. It’s a pretty good variety.

Tonight’s concert also has a special dedication.

Yes, we are dedicating the show to Paul Schwing. Mr. Paul sponsored the band for a long time. When we got started, he let us set up in his flower shop. We stored all out music there. Every year he would contribute to the band, even after we grew bigger and moved to a bigger space. Members of his family will be there, so we hope it is something special.

What are your other regularly scheduled shows?

We do an annual Christmas concert and one for the 9/11 Memorial. We used to do more, but it’s hard to find a venue. We are a non-profit, so we really can’t afford to pay $1,500 for a place to play if we only bring in $1,000 a year.

How much is admission for tonight’s show?

It’s $10 a ticket, and we will have two special guest vocalists singing with the band. Ashley Addison and Cory Landry from Three37 will be on stage with us, so it should be a great show.