Jim Morrison. Jerry Garcia. Roger Daltrey. Bono. Each is considered the frontman of a famous band.

Many bands understand the importance of a notable frontman. Although enjoying a wide fan base, local band Gun Runnin Amish, or GRA, realized that the lack of a lead singer who was able to interact with a crowd was hindering performances.

In Sept. 2003, GRA decided a major overhaul was in order. Rearranging its formation from a trio to a four-person band brought along a change in name as well. Now called Plush, the band performs frequently at local spots such as The Brewery Inc., 223 E. Beaver Ave., as well as other venues in State College and central Pennsylvania.

GRA, formed in 1999, consisted of three Centre County residents: Brian Bumbarger, drums and lead vocals; Terry Cressman, guitar; and Chris Walter, bass. The group found success as a threesome but felt limited during performances. Seated at the drumset, Bumbarger could not interact with the audience.

"It was difficult to get the crowd involved when I was stuck behind the drumset," Bumbarger said.

"People kept telling us, 'you guys are good, but you need somebody out front.' "

After testing several different lineups, the solution finally surfaced when the band met Kevin Thomas.

Formerly the drummer for the local band FoXXy, the formally trained Thomas assumed the drumming duties so Bumbarger could focus on singing.

In an e-mail message, Thomas said he left FoXXy for personal reasons.

"It became time for a change," he said.

The band members agree that they immediately clicked with Thomas in musical taste and personality.

To signify the band's development, GRA changed its name to Plush. The name change also moved the band toward a more serious image, leaving behind the sarcastic attitude of GRA.

Plush prides itself on its eclectic selection of music. The band covers a mix of modern rock, classic rock and '80s bands, and it also plays many original songs.

Concert-goers can hear a diverse selection including songs from Rage Against the Machine, White Stripes, Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, Beastie Boys and even the occasional Dixie Chicks tune.

Bumbarger explains that the wide variety of music "has always been one of the things that defines us." Plush believes that the unlikely sets offer a refreshing change of pace, avoiding the monotony of other groups.

The selection leads to widespread appeal: audience members are guaranteed to enjoy something, no matter what their taste.

Admittedly past the dreams of big-money record deals, the band members agree that they love what they are doing and are content playing in State College.

"They play some real good, high energy rock and roll ... the band really seems to be having a good time, and they interact with the crowd," said Ray Rockey, manager of The Brewery.

No matter what the name of the band, its main goal has always been the same, for the audience to have fun. Plush focuses on playing for the crowd.

"We're not just trying to get people to leave a show saying, 'Wow, those guys are really great musicians,' " Bumbarger said. "We'd much rather they walked away saying, 'Wow, I had a really good time.' "

Currently, Plush is aiming to release an album of all original songs in January. The band already plays many of these songs at current shows.

Plush's next live show in State College is Nov. 1 at The Brewery.