Finally, Stolyn Hours closes off the Marathon at 5:30 Sunday and J.R. Mangan, the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, said he is very pleased.

"I love having that last slot -- it's when the most people are there, I think," he said. "It's kind of climactic and it gives us a lot of exposure."

The band, which includes Mangan, lead guitarist Todd Minnix, bassist T.G. Crane, and drummer Dana Hawk, has been together "in one form or another" for three years, although the current line-up has been around for only half that time.

Mangan said this is the third consecutive year that they have played the Dance Marathon, and for good reason.

"We don't do too many charity gigs," he said. "This is the only one we get involved in, so it's a good cause. I have a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, so it might do her some good -- thinking about the kid, you know."

Mangan said he began playing guitar 12 years ago for a couple of different reasons.

"It's basically a nice way to meet girls and I was always interested in playing the guitar and singing," he said. "I'm mostly interested in rhythm, I don't do much lead playing."

He said the band always enjoys playing the Marathon.

"We're looking forward to it," he said. "It's always a good time and a worthwhile experience. It also gives us the chance to play to the under-21 crowd that doesn't get to see us at the bars."

The band primarily plays classic rock. Mangan cites Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty as the band's key influences, noting, "We mostly do cover material."

Rick Wysk (junior-English) said the band has "one of the most accurate cover bands in State College" because it keeps the original arrangements intact.

Mangan said that the band is working on a tape that they plan to release about the time of the Arts Festival this summer.