Music is my life and I'm glad to surround myself with musicians. While I was spending time at the local music store my friends Michael Wahlmann and Rich Wagor told me they're jamming with Foreigner. No, really. They're jamming with Foreigner; Thursday and Friday night!

Michael Wahlmann, a cellist from Rock Island and bassist, Rich Wagor from Cedar Rapids will perform in the 14 piece orchestra during Foreigner’s 8 p.m. performances Mar. 29 at the US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids and Mar. 30 at the Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City.

Michael Wahlmann, Foreigner’s orchestra coordinator says being part of the musical collaboration with orchestra leader Dave Eggar and Foreigner is a bit surreal.

“Growing up listening to such an iconic band and now being able to play with the band on stage is truly an honor,” said Wahlmann.

Tami Seitz/Townsquare Media/Michael Wahlmann, Kelly Hanson, Michael Bluestein-Foreigner
Tami Seitz/Townsquare Media/Michael Wahlmann, Kelly Hanson, Michael Bluestein-Foreigner
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The special opening piece of music was written and arranged to spotlight the orchestra and features famous Foreigner themes and features only the orchestra.

Wahlmann says in addition to the overture, the concert will feature Foreigner’s greatest hits with orchestral backing.

Both Wahlmann and Rich Wagor have been invited to perform in other well-known touring bands like Bobby McFerrin, The Moody Blues, Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller and Josh Groban when they played in the area.

Foreigner is hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world and certainly was a big part of my music collection. The band is responsible for some of rock’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero, Cold As Ice, Hot Blooded and I Want To Know What Love Is.”

I asked the guys if they needed a roadie; both of them smiled and said, 'stand in line!'

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