Every tuba has its day.

Saturday will be the day area low brass players finally get to play the melody. For the first time, a Tuba Christmas is coming to Austin’s Oak Park Mall Saturday at 1 p.m.

“It’s a very unique sound, it’s not something they’ve ever heard before,” said Val Pitzen, who is helping organize the performance in Austin along with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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The performance is a chance for musicians typically used to carrying the bass line a chance to take the spotlight.

“(There are) so few times that the low brass gets the main part,” Pitzen said.

The first Tuba Christmas was held in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Dec. 22, 1974. There are more than 250 Tuba Christmas performances in the U.S. each year.

Pitzen first attended a show in northern Iowa, and played last year at one.

“I went to the one down in north Iowa several years ago and I realized how much I missed playing,” she said.

Pitzen is hoping to make the Austin show an annual event.

The performance is open to any tuba, sousaphone, baritone and euphonium players wishing to perform.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by a rehearsal in the old Maurices store at 10 a.m. Performers must bring their instrument and a musical stand. Music will be provided.

The concert is free to the public. The cost is $5 for performers, but they’ll receive a commemorative button.

Performers are asked to dress in festive clothing and decorate their instruments.