They're having fun looking out for number one and doing all the things they like to do . . .

. . . which include performing quality original music, being adored by a growing population of fans throughout the North East and Midwest and enjoying the fruits of fourteen years of dedication to a dream.

And contrary to the title of their most recently released album, the Clarks definitely are not going to Let It Go anytime soon.

The Clarks made their official Penn State debut in 1990 when they played in the former HUB Ballroom. At that time they were little known outside of Pittsburgh, the band's hometown.

Over the years, they slowly made their way through a maze of bar gigs and fraternity parties as their fame continued to grow.

These days they're booked on stages from West Virginia to Ohio to Illinois, not to mention State College's own Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., where they will play at 10 p.m. Wednesday.

This show will put their number of repeat performances at the venue up over a dozen, according to Crowbar owner Dave Wells.

"They're good friends, they're great entertainers, and over the years we've built up a great relationship," Wells said.

As of Tuesday evening, the Clarks' all ages Crowbar show was selling out fast, Wells said.

Penn State students who hail from the Clarks' hometown, Pittsburgh, can attest to the band's strong fan base.

"They were playing in Pittsburgh before Rusted Root as far as I can remember," said Pittsburgh native Gregory Bulevich (senior-mechanical engineering). "With the general Pittsburgh crowd I'd say the Clarks are favored (over Rusted Root)," he said.

Despite the Clarks' loyal local following, ethno-groove artists and fellow 'Burghers Rusted Root were picked up by a major record label in 1994 while the Clarks remained a rock band attached to the road.

"From the beginning we've been a live-based band. I think you're a product of your influences, and as music fans, we've always focused on the energy someone creates live," said Clarks' lead singer Scott Blasey according to The University of Maryland's The Diamondback.

All four founders that formed the band in 1987 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania remain together today, a demonstration of the unity and brotherhood that exist between the musicians.

Along the way they've put out seven albums, including The Clarks Live, a collection of the band's best loved songs performed in-concert, showcasing the artists in their element.

The original live album, which was released in 1998, has been modified with the addition of three popular songs from their new album, Let It Go, in preparation for its re-release date in October.

The Clarks' current tour is intended to promote this upcoming release.

Pete Palladino and the Jellybricks, coming to us from the Harrisburg area, will open for the Clarks' Wednesday evening show.

The Jellybricks' sound has been described by reviewers as "power-pop." Pete Palladino, frontman of the Badlees, another Harrisburg band, has recently launched a so-far-successful solo career. In a review earlier this month, Billboard magazine's Larry Flick wrote that he was "happily stunned by the potency" of Palladino's first solo recording, "Sweet Siren of the Reconnected."

Palladino and the Jellybricks will collaborate to form what promises to be a rocking opening act.

All those wishing to check out this fine showing of some of Pennsylvania's finest pop-rockers had better get a move on if they're yet to get tickets.

After all, the Clarks aren't serious when they say that they're "Better Off Without You."