The old adage is music comes in cycles. Depending on what one is looking for, State College seems to be at different points in the cycle.

For those just wanting to hear some songs they recognize, the music scene is at a high point, as many bars have cover bands performing throughout the weekend.

For fans of original music, the scene is at a low point with few sources of entertainment, especially for those under the age of 21.

"It sucks," said Jeremy Myers, owner of the local record label, Jump Start Records, and a member of the punk outfit, No On 15. "It's a bar band, cover band scene."

Few venues are willing to book bands performing original songs, making original music a difficult route to choose.

Being an original band in State College is "very hard to do," said Brent Martin, keyboardist for the cover group Velveeta.

Many groups or musicians begin by performing original music but find that it is more profitable to perform covers.

Martin initially performed in original groups, but later became involved with Velveeta.

"Trying to break in, it's really difficult," said Ken Kubala, manager of City Lights Records, 316 E. College Ave. "A lot of them are forced to be human jukeboxes."

The result has been a great deal of finger-pointing.

Many fans blame the venues for not offering more original and independent music, but the bar owners suggest students should show more support for original music.

"This town doesn't have a good reputation for supporting something new," said Dave Staab, general manager for Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave. "I don't think there's any quick, easy fix."

Staab said many bars are forced to have cover acts perform to remain profitable, but points to Kris Kehr and Original Soul Project, both of which perform weekly at Zeno's, as examples of successful original acts.

According to many, the music is present in State College, but there are fewer outlets available.

Josh Laikin (senior-political science), who performs in the jazz quartet Suffrage, said his group has trouble finding places to play, though the group does have a weekly show at Smoke -N- Joes, 128 Locust Lane.

"There aren't really too many venues where we can play," Laikin said.

Josh Dillard, owner of Smoke -N- Joes, agreed that there were few opportunities for local performers, especially for jazz acts.

"There wasn't really an outlet to a dedicated degree," he said.

Dillard, who schedules jazz and blues five nights a week at his venue, said he has been pleased with the results of the shows thus far.

Although venues such as Smoke -N- Joes offer all-ages shows, the choices for younger students elsewhere are much more limited.

"There's no place that does it consistently," Myers said about all-ages shows. Though Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., offers national-act, all-ages shows during the week, it does not do so on weekends.

Former independent music luminaries in State College, the Co-Op and The White Lodge, have both ceased to exist in the recent past, leaving a gaping hole for all-ages entertainment on the weekends.

"It's just rough," said Michael Dinan (freshman-psychology) about the lack of all-ages shows.

Dinan said more venues and shows for the under-21 crowd would be a welcome addition.

The university has stepped up to fill that hole in the form of a music series during LateNight-Penn State and in the student-run organization, The Asylum.

Though both provide an outlet for original groups, neither supports local bands, said Myers.

Some music fans have begun looking elsewhere for the shows they want to see.

"I go to Pittsburgh, just cause there's not as many (shows) here," said Dave Eichenlaub (junior-landscape contracting).

Original music fans should take heart, though. The music is out there, and many feel that it will regain outlets and popularity in time.

Martin said support for original music and local bands has "peaks and valleys."

Staab pointed out that the State College scene was quite strong in the late '80s and mid-'90s.

Myers, who organized the Co-Op, plans to establish another all-ages venue in the future.

Even as the scene struggles to find its footing, many promoters and musicians urge students to give their support.

"I think it's really important to come out and support local groups," said Elaine Meder, co-owner of Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St.

Webster's is another venue that offers original music in an all-ages format.

Martin offered the same sentiments in a simple form.

"Support live music," he said.

Despite the present original music drought, students can do just that, while hoping that the musical cycle holds true.