State College will have its own version of VH1's Storytellers Sunday night, as Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St., will hold its monthly singer/songwriter showcase.

This month's featured musician is Robert Atyeo, a singer and songwriter from Toronto.

"I think he's ideal for this. He's a very gifted musician," said Elaine Meder, co-owner of Webster's.

The setting is informal and intimate, drawing a regular crowd that numbers anywhere from 20 to 40 people, Meder said.

"The musician can tell stories and talk about the inspiration for their songs. You can tell Robert has a great sense of humor based on his songs," Meder said.

Atyeo has often been compared to Tom Waits and John Prine, having an eclectic style of music that combines jazz, blues and folk.

His lyrics also contain entertaining characters and situations that are creatively woven throughout his music.

Ayteo has toured throughout much of Canada, and had often been a main stage performer at various folk festivals in Ontario.

Tomorrow night Atyeo will be opening for Tanglefoot at the Acoustic Brew Coffeehouse, a non-profit volunteer-run concert series at the Center for Well-Being 123 Mt. Nittany Rd., Lemont, before he makes his stop at Webster's.

Webster's has been working with the Acoustic Brew Coffeehouse to feature the opening acts from the Coffeehouse in their monthly Showcase said Fred Ramsey, co-owner of Webster's.

"When they open for other bands at the Coffeehouse, they only get to play for 20 minutes," said Ramsey.

The show at Webster's will begin at 7:30, and Atyeo will play two acoustic sets that will last for two hours.

"We have performers every Friday and Saturday night, and we try to pay them," said Meder.

Copies of Atyeo's third album, Heart Like a Rubber Ball (1998), will be available for purchase at the show, and there will be a $3 cover charge at the door.

Webster's singer/songwriter showcase made its debut last April and has been a regular event on the third Sunday of every month. Next month's featured performer will be local singer and songwriter Kris Kehr on Feb. 18.