Local stars shine on marathon

Many people participate in Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon--from fraternity and sorority members, independents, morale members, spectators . . . even Willard Scott.

The first nationally-known act to appear at the dance marathon was Otis Day and the Knights. The group, which is known for its stint in the movie Animal House, performed at the 1985 marathon. It motivated the previously exhausted dancers to hang on for the last few hours of the event with Motown-flavored renditions of "Twist and Shout" and "Heart of Rock 'n Roll."

Through the years, a variety of bands have represented many styles of music at the marathon. From country, to rock, to blues, the music committee members choose have had a variety of genres.

Past overall entertainment chairpersons have always tried to make the event interesting for the dancers and the Four Diamonds families.

The marathon this year will feature mostly local entertainment, including several local bands who Jared Fragin says play different kinds of music, such as jazz and blues.

Fragin, overall entertainment chairman, said he likes to keep the marathon interesting for dancers and spectators and tried to experiment with the types of music and personalities that will appear at the marathon.

"They all play songs you can sing to," Fragin said, referring to the bands that are scheduled to play for the event. "We try to stay away from slow bands or loud, loud bands because it kills the dancers."

Velveeta will be one of the local groups performing at the marathon this year. A self-proclaimed cheesy '80s cover band, the group played last year at the marathon and were asked back for another performance.

"All of those people shouting and singing along is great," band member Brian Kriley said. "It's a lot of people, so it's a lot of fun."

Velveeta, along with every other performer at the marathon, will be donating their performance for the cause.

Because many of the bands perform in the afternoon, it allows them to play other gigs the same night, and therefore still have a profitable weekend, Kriley said.

Many people realize the good cause that the marathon supports and are often very willing to appear at the event, Golden said.

"People are willing to come," she said. "It's really nice to see how much the community wants to get involved."

Several famous national acts were on Golden's mind for the marathon this year, such as comedians Adam Sandler and Carrot Top, but several obstacles faced her in her quest, she said.

Big name acts appearing for free would cause a big rush of people and a security risk for the dancers and the performer. The primary concern at the marathon, she said, is always the dancers and their safety.

"If we were to bring in a big-name act, it would probably not be released (to the public)," she added.

Famous performers have appeared at the marathon before. Television personality and wacky weatherman Willard Scott and Colin Quinn, known for the game show "Remote Control," broadcast on MTV, appeared at the 1990 marathon.

Golden said members of marathon committees have also made a determined effort to have Oprah Winfrey tape one of her talk shows about the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation. But as of yet, they have not succeeded.

"There's been a huge campaign to have her do a show on dance marathon (for the past two years)," she said. "This year's campaign was definitely more successful than the last."

But there are many local celebrities around State College, and their presence can make all the difference to dancers and Four Diamonds families, Golden said.

Mike Herr, affectionately known around campus as "Mike the Mailman," makes an appearance at the marathon every year. He appears for mail call, when dancers receive notes of encouragement from family and friends.

"The mailman is always willing to help out and is really good at perking up the participants," Alyssa Cherkin, overall chairwoman of the marathon, said. He has that semi-celebrity quality that gives dancers a lift."

One local celebrity that always excites the crowds, Golden said, is Nittany Lion Head Football Coach Joe Paterno.

Paterno usually shows up for the giant pep rally along with cheerleaders, football players, basketball players and others.

The committee made a huge effort to have Paterno come to the marathon this year and, because it is the marathon's 25th anniversary, Golden also wanted to get famous football players from Penn State's past to participate as well.

In years past, former Nittany Lion quarterback Kerry Collins and former Lion running back John Cappelletti participated in marathon activities.

"People are really willing to come when we ask them," Golden said. "It's great for the Four Diamonds families and the dancers to see (Paterno) because he's just such a big figure at Penn State -- he's a role model."

But Paterno said he gets more out of attending the marathon than anyone else.

"Those kids don't need me -- they've made it happen without me," he said. "I think (the marathon) really makes you feel good about people."

Paterno said he enjoys attending the marathon and tries to go as often as he can, although his schedule has prevented him from attending the last several marathons.

The energy of all of the dancers and committee members makes Paterno optimistic about young people, he said.

"You hear so many bad things about young people these days," he said. "It's nice to see that these kids are really making a difference with this."