Every Thursday, the members of Something Fluid come to The Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave., hoping to make the crowd as much a part of the show as they are.

Something Fluid is currently made up of lead singer Gretchen; Chris on rhythm guitar, rap and rock vocals and keys; CJ on lead guitar and vocals; Len on drums and vocals; and Jerry on bass guitar and vocals. The band has had quite a few member changes recently. Gretchen and Chris are the only members who have been in the band since the beginning. Two member changes have occurred since the band was formed three years ago.

Something Fluid is native to the Harrisburg area, but is starting to branch out to other parts of Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. The band is gaining more and more recognition. In Oct. 2002, it was featured on the cover of Pennsylvania Musician. Many people have yet to hear this party band, but it is starting to build a strong State College following.

"They're new in the market. They are building a following ... They tend to connect with people," Mike Caruso, manager of The Darkhorse, said.

The band thinks the college market fits for Something Fluid as well.

"We really want to develop the State College area. There's really a good market for the music we play," Gretchen said.

Something Fluid is a cover band, usually playing a diverse set including everything from Joan Jett to Maroon 5 to the Bloodhound Gang.

Something Fluid has recently changed sponsors, switching from Smirnoff Ice to Bud Light. CJ says having sponsors gives the band "fun things to pass along to fans."

Something Fluid always shoots for crowd participation. It has the most fun when the crowd is singing along. Audience members shouldn't be surprised if the microphone is given to them and they are expected to take the lead for a few moments.

"We are definitely your typical party band, our focus is trying to get the audience involved," Gretchen said.

"I'm always out in the crowd trying to get people to sing along," she added.

Gretchen isn't the only one trying to get the crowd into the show. CJ likes to get into the crowd to "let a privileged few hit my guitar strings."

When the band was trying to choose a name, Something Fluid just fit.

"In a nutshell, we wanted something unique," CJ said. The members were sitting around with the band's then-bassist and decided they wanted the word fluid in the name, but couldn't figure out what else. The bass player simply said, "Something Fluid," and it stuck.

Something Fluid loves playing at The Darkhorse every Thursday.

The band enjoys State College because people here seem to know a bit of the more obscure stuff they play, such as the Maroon 5 songs.

The band also loves the State College party atmosphere.

"It's like reliving a bit of my college days," CJ said.