The Asher Kahn Band is going west. Well, actually they are playing at Café 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., before going geographically west to Ohio for another show. The point is they are on their way, and this may be the last time you can see them in State College for $3.

Formerly known as the local band Catfish Soup, they have regrouped under the auspice of the Asher Kahn Band. Named after the lead singer and guitarist, Asher Kahn, they have found a sound that appeals to an eclectic group of fans of varied ages. Kahn, bassist Mike "Smitty" Smith and drummer Aaron Boczkowski, all Pennsylvania natives, met as undergraduates here at Penn State.

After graduating in '98 and moving to New Jersey, Kahn grew tired of jumping around from group to group and decided it was time to get back to simply playing music for fun. After about a year and a half he called up Smith and Boczkowski (by then in Philadelphia), for a reunion that led to the formation of their new/old band.

"We play a lot in New York City and Philly," said Kahn, "just some light touring."

What they do in the meantime remains a mystery. "Well," hedges Kahn, "anything to pay the bills." Evidently paying the bills left the band enough time to release its original debut album, Content, this summer. The group will be playing songs from the album at 9 p.m. Thursday at the Café.

As for musical influences, Kahn said that recently he had "really been into Black Crowes, but I'm a big southern rocker. We're all influenced by good solid rock 'n' roll. Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, all those guys."

The general consensus seems to be that "these guys" are on their way up. Happy to be returning to their old scene with some new music, they hope to provide a good show.