Smokers might want to get their nicotine fixes before heading into Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., tonight, as the typically smoker-friendly venue goes smoke-free for the evening's event.

The American Lung Association (ALA) is holding a benefit concert tonight at Crowbar to kick off community support for Asthma Walk, an annual, nationwide event to increase asthma awareness.

"The benefit concert targets a large group of people but doesn't ask anything of them, except to have a good time," said Lauren Steinberg, manager of events for the State College ALA, 209 E. Beaver Ave.

All concertgoers will be able to catch a band that matches their musical taste, Steinberg said. The benefit's five bands range in style from '80s rock to punk to alternative.

Local acts Velveeta, Furious Styles, The Car Mats, Even Further and Katsu will take the stage starting at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the show cost $5 and are available at the door.

The show is open to all ages, but over-21 attendees can pick up a drink on Crowbar's upper bar level, said Dave Wells, operations director for Crowbar.

No audience members will be permitted to smoke, though, as cigarette smoke, along with allergies, exercise and emotion, is a leading cause of asthma attacks.

Furious Styles drummer Trent Wolfred (senior-theatre) said the band is looking forward to playing the show.

"It's a higher profile gig than a frat," Wolfred said. "We love to play Crowbar any chance we get."

All proceeds will go toward the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania's Asthma Walk and to help fund programs, research and education.

"Most of us in the band are pack-a-day smokers, so maybe supporting ALA will help us live longer," Wolfred said.

The Asthma Walk will snake through the streets of State College Saturday morning. Steinberg said that with 24 million Americans suffering from asthma, most students know someone with the illness.

"Asthma is a serious disease," Steinberg said. "You can die from it. A lot of people don't realize that."

ALA sponsored another benefit concert this summer. Summer Launch, which supported local lung health programs, education and research, drew an audience of 200 listeners and a profit of $1,700.

"With fall semester in session and so many students up here, we're expecting an even larger turnout for the Asthma Walk concert," Steinberg said.

"Besides, it isn't hard work, just a good time."

For more information on Asthma Walk or to get involved, check out ALA's Asthma Walk Web site www.asthmawalk.com.