Greg Klyma is living proof that you can get by doing what you love.

The singer/songwriter permanently uprooted himself in August 1998, has been on the road for five years, and it doesn't seem like he could be more content with his lifestyle.

"I tour all the time and live at poverty level and smile about it constantly. All I need is a gig to go to or shelter and food, and it's usually all taken care of," he said.

He has been rocking State College with his unique act since the beginning of November, and will continue playing here for the rest of the month. He has a regular gig at Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St., every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. and has also played at Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave. and The Brewery, 223 E. Beaver Ave. He has also appeared about six times on WKPS-FM's (90.7) State Your Face show and is grateful that the station is putting his music out there for people to hear.

When asked just what kind of music he does play, Klyma responded with a laugh and then said, "really good."

"It's immensely difficult to answer that question. My generic answer is folk rock swaying more towards rock 'n' roll than the mountains," he said.

He plays originals as well as covers depending on the environment he's in.

"Alcohol is the difference," Klyma said of how his presentation varies from Zeno's to Webster's.

"People coming into a well-lit, quiet, non-exclusive environment that's conducive to studying does not have any similarities to people coming into a bar to drink. When I play at Webster's I play all originals but when I'm out playing at a bar I'm more inclined to play covers. I really like playing in both situations.," Klyma said.

Though Klyma has traveled as far as Alaska, he said his favorite place to play is right here in State College.

"I'm surrounded by fun friends here and people that like what I'm doing," he said.

And State College is happy to have Klyma in town.

"I'm constantly impressed at the range of Greg's music. He can go from a ballad to blues to rock and it's amazing. ... More people are coming every week and he's building a crowd here. I just think he's a number one performer and songwriter," Elaine Meder, co-owner of Webster's, said.

Jim Eckess of Webster's described Klyma's music as lyrical Americana and said he enjoys Klyma's music, as well has his sarcastic sense of humor.

Another one of Klyma's favorite gig locations is Austin, Texas because of its "crazed music community" and he enjoys his tours in the Midwest because people like his music out there. He goes back every three months and tours many states in a six-week time period.

Though Klyma used to play in bands, mainly guitar and mandolin groups, he realized how difficult it is to take a band out on the road because of money and responsibilities people may not be able to leave.

Now it's just Klyma who travels sometimes eight hours in his van from gig to gig and he said he doesn't mind being alone.

"I'm OK with me," he said with a laugh.

Klyma has put out several original CDs and one of his most fitting songs "Not a Complicated Guy" has been played on two national radio stations. His music can be heard on his Web site www.klyma.com, as well as today and next Tuesday at Webster's from 4 to 5 p.m.