Dedicated concertgoers have recently shown up at venues such as Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave, with an outpouring of support, and not just for the bands on stage. They are turning out for something else they believe in.

They are chaperones ages 25 and older who help make it possible for all-age shows to still take place at area bars. An alteration of a previous law now mandates that for people under the age of 21 to enter an establishment with a liquor license, one chaperone at least 25 years old must be present for every five minors in attendance. Previously, one chaperone was required for every 50 minors in attendance.

When entering Crowbar, people over the age of 25 are asked if they would like to be a chaperone for the night. If they agree, they are given free admittance, a nametag and complimentary refreshments for the evening. Although the refreshments must be non-alcoholic by rule, it doesn't seem to deter most from volunteering.

Pat Kokel traveled more than an hour from Roaring Springs to hear live music and to lend a hand Monday night when Biohazard performed at Crowbar. Kokel said it was his fifth or sixth show so far in which he has volunteered to be a chaperone.

Although he said he enjoys perks such as free tickets to the shows, he said he does it largely for another reason.

"I'm a fan of live music," he said "I want to help kids too under 21 experience live music."

Kokel said he has shown up at Crowbar more since the new law has been put into effect, although that's not because he is a fan of the change in policy.

"It's kind of a silly law," Kokel said.

And he's not alone in his opinion.

Even patrons not affected by the new law have harsh words regarding it.

"It's ridiculous. I'd like to see them repeal it entirely," Michael Cochran (senior-economics) said.

Others, such as Bill Parsons of Altoona, agree the law is too drastic. In addition, he said he has noticed smaller crowds for each show he has been to since the law was passed.

The change, which was signed into law on Dec. 9, has made it difficult for minors to attend shows and tough for lesser-known bands who rely on as many fans as they can get, said Chuck Smitley, general manager of the Crowbar. David Wells, director of operations for Crowbar, agreed with Smitley on the effect the new law has on up-and-coming acts.

"Those shows are in particular peril," Wells said.