Singer/pianist Jason Spiewak may have left Penn State to establish himself in New York City, but his musical history in State College runs deep.

The alumnus and former member of local band Bluesuedegroove will be performing tonight at Bar Bleu, 114 S. Garner St.

But fans expecting to hear a sound similar to Spiewak's original five-piece group will find something different in his new piano-rock trio.

Fueled by classic rock influences such as Billy Joel, James Taylor and The Eagles, Spiewak joined Bluesuedegroove on keyboards during his years as a student at Penn State.

Bluesuedegroove recorded two albums of original music before Spiewak left the band in February of 2001.

He said this decision was based on a realization that life in that band wasn't what he wanted at the time.

"I left for a lot of reasons," he said.

"I felt like life was calling me forward ... I just wanted to get off the road, lick my wounds and try something else," Spiewak added.

"[Playing with Jason] was a lot of fun," said ex-Bluesuedegroove bassist Art Armani.

"He's a great musician, good guy. But it just wasn't in the cards anymore to play with him," he said.

Even though Spiewak was no longer recording or performing, he never managed to leave the music world.

He decided to settle down in New York City and work in marketing for an assortment of record labels. After a while he found the love for songwriting and performing he had with his former band didn't stop with its breakup.

"With Bluesuedegroove, we were always active songwriters," he said.

After writing several new tunes, Spiewak felt the urge to hit the stage again.

He formed a piano-based trio with aptly named bassist Greg Bass and former Bluesuedegroove drummer Rich Smalley. Spiewak and Smalley had remained in contact with each other after Spiewak left the group.

The new band rehearsed only four times before recording a seven-song mini-album titled, You Have Me Wrong.

Even though it features two members of the original band, Spiewak's new groove is different.

"It is obviously more focused on the piano," Armani said, regarding the trio's sound. "Also, he's focusing more on songwriting and storytelling instead of things like instrumental phrasing."

Spiewak's group has already played shows in several major East Coast cities, including Boston, Philadelphia and New York.

Even though the trio played The Saloon, 101 Hiester St., in February, Armani said that it is especially important to have artists like Spiewak play this week during the 37th Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts so that the local original music scene remains prominent.

"[Bar Bleu] is a smaller club, but it's a venue that people go to to hear live music," he said.

Although his short album has already gained nationwide recognition -- even as far as Alaska -- Spiewak still considers it a "demo."

He plans to record a full-length record next year and the success of that disc will determine his future.

"It takes a whole lot of timing, preparation, good fortune ... It can be anything that gets you signed," he said.

"I made this record because I love music, and if people in high places want to promote it, great," he added.

But whatever Spiewak does decide for his future, he has one underlying goal.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to keep making art that lets people in on the fucked-up world that is the record industry."