“International Falls knows how to party,” says Arch Allies lead guitarist Kevin Todd.

To get the party started, the band is taking the stage at Backus Auditorium at 8 p.m. Saturday for the venue’s first-ever rock concert.

Arch Allies, a tribute band from the Twin Cities, performs songs made popular by Styx, REO Speedwagon and Journey. The band performed at the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater July 2 when it opened for Loverboy.

“Last year was such a great experience, the town came out in force and gave us a warm reception,” Todd said of last summer’s performance. “International Falls and our Canadian neighbors treated us like we’re rock stars and that was really cool.”

Tim “Chopper” McBride, president of the International Falls Economic Development Authority which is collaborating with Citizens for Backus/AB to bring the show to the area, called the show is a “must-see.”

“These guys are good,” he said. “They make it a memorable experience.”

International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason agreed, “People loved Arch Allies more than they loved Loverboy last summer.”

Mason said she is looking forward to the weekend’s performance and hopes the community will come out for a night of entertainment.

“This is a project we’re doing for the community,” she said. “It’s going to be a great, social, musical event.”

A rock concert performance in Backus is not the only first for the show. Todd noted that this is the band’s first time performing in a theater setting like Backus offers.

“We’re looking forward to trying it out,” he said. “People aren’t going to be able to sit in their chairs, though — they’re going to be up singing.”

Todd said Arch Allies prides itself in its musical ability and audiences can expect to see and hear the looks and sounds of some “great bands.” He promised to give the crowd a good time and a trip down memory lane.

“We all come together and it is just a really fun experience,” the guitarist said. “We play every show like its our last. So, tell your friends, relatives, and enemies to come on out and wear something comfortable because everyone will be singing, dancing, and working up a sweat.”

In addition to the concert, a beer and wine garden will be offered one hour before and during the show.

Admission to the performance is $10 and tickets are available at City Drug, Ronnings, Backus office, and in Fort Frances at Betty’s and at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts.