After learning that Centre House, 217 E. Nittany Ave., relies on private donations for 40 percent of its operating budget, local musician Richard Wylie decided to do something to help the cause.

"I've done a few fund-raisers in the past," Wylie said. "I thought it would be fun to do something."

Wylie is presenting local guitarists playing folk, jazz, classical and rock to benefit the Centre House Homeless Shelter. The two hour program, "An Evening With Richard Wylie and Friends," will be held at 8 p.m. tomorrow at Fairmont School/Delta Program Auditorium, 411 S. Fraser St.

Starting the evening will be a performance by local classical guitarist Randall Avers. Avers and Wylie are both guitar teachers at The Music Academy, 519 W. College Ave. Avers has accumulated several international awards and is the national ambassador to Africa for his skilled playing.

"Randy is an incredible classical guitarist," Wylie said.

"He's the kind of guitarist you can usually only see in Los Angeles or New York. He'll add a whole new dimension to the night."

Avers started playing guitar when he was about six years old and has always been interested in music. Because of a hearing defect, he had limitations on what he could hear, but one of things his ears could pick up was music.

"I learned how to operate a record player and just used to crank tunes," Avers said. "Sometimes you get led into things, but I was very keen on learning the guitar."

Avers continued to study the instrument, and it led him to classical music, because of its complex nature and the techniques used.

"I think it's the most varied of styles, it encapsulates so many styles," Avers said.

"You not only learn how to play classical guitar, you can take the information and apply it to different styles and bring it to other instruments."

Avers was unsure what songs he might be performing, but thought he might do his solo-acoustic version of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," some nylon-steel string new age music, and possibly a Spanish-style piece.

Happy to be involved with the program, Avers is excited for the performance.

"I like to involve myself in community services," Avers said. "To help out in this community, it's a pleasure."

After Avers' set, Wylie is going to play a set with jazz guitarist Mac Himes, and then Wylie form a rock 'n' roll band to perform some bluesy jams.

"It's exciting for me, because a lot of my students are under 21, so they can't get into the bars to hear that stuff," Wylie said.

The rock band, which has Gary Abdullah on bass and Aaron Burkle on drums, will be playing some of Wylie's originals, along with some covers featuring vocalist Angela Lambert.

"It's a great line-up, all the players are really good," Wylie said.

"It will allow a wide range of people. Young kids will dig it, along with older folks too."

Wylie has been interested in playing the six-string since he discovered his brother's record collection -- including Sly and the Family Stone, Eric Clapton and Leo Kottke. Having released two albums of acoustic finger-picked guitar, Wylie said he is not really a singer-songwriter guy, but still likes to write instrumentals.

"When I write my own original stuff, I'll take an acoustic guitar, and write a melody, and harmonize, or a just take a rhythm and some chords and go from there," Wylie said.

Wylie is also planning to sell baked goods, snacks and his latest album Views From a Train to benefit the shelter.

The Centre House is a 24-hour emergency homeless shelter that opened in 1984, and it is run through the United Way, Wiley said.

He added all of the proceeds from the night are going to the Centre House, because of the help from local businesses, which include: The Music Mart, 227 E. Beaver Ave.; The Music Academy, 519 W. College Ave.; and Webster's Bookstore and Café, 128 S. Allen St.

Tickets for the event are $5 and are available at The Music Mart, The Music Academy, and Webster's Bookstore and Café.