Though the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon featured fewer individual special guests and more group and band performances than in the past, the weekend's entertainment still kept the dancers and audience going.

"Most of the bands got me motivated; their upbeat songs keep me going. I love to dance to what sounds good," dancer Maribeth Wicoff (sophomore-psychology) said.

NOMMO, an African dance troupe, was the first group to perform at Thon.

"Thon is inspiring for us because though we do paid performances most of the time, it is important for us to give back to the community by supporting Thon and helping the dancers," said Nesha Christian-Hendrickson, NOMMO president.

The Bugs, a pop-rock band, started off Saturday morning with a bang.

"All I hope is that we helped these students who are doing so much for the kids," The Bugs lead singer George Aletras said.

"If we helped them at all, we did what we came to do," he added.

Moraler Liz Clemens (freshman-business management) said she thought the band greatly benefited dancers.

"Most of them really seemed to wake up after that performance," she said.

Soon after The Bugs' uplifting performance, a blues band composed of Penn State faculty members, Lost Faculties, played with guest star Penn State President Graham Spanier.

"I don't know why they would be playing blues because it is depressing and we need upbeat music," Tara McGuire (junior-psychology) said.

The Phyrst Family, a folk band also performing with Spanier, appeared Saturday afternoon. Their set featured the famous children's song, "Hokey Pokey."

"To see this type of generosity of college-aged students, it sends chills down my spine," banjo player Bob Becker said.

Krissy Zeiser (sophomore-biology) said she enjoyed the Phyrst Family's set.

"They were spiffy, I was entertained," she said. "I think it's great that they geared some music to the kids."

Maxwell Straight led the dancers into their last day of Thon.

"This is probably the most rewarding gig you can ever play, it's not about you, it's about the dancers and everybody knows that," lead singer Molly Countermine said.

UUU was one of the last Thon performers early Sunday afternoon.

"It is the greatest feeling to help. We don't do a lot of benefits, so it is nice to give back because we support the cause and support these kids," said Guido Phillips, UUU keyboardist, guitar player and vocalist.

During UUU's set Panhellenic Council dancer Mary Kaye Jacono (senior-English and theater arts) took the lead for a Grease cover song.

"It was the perfect ending to the whole weekend, I'm exhausted but happy," she said.

Other notable performances included 2U, Orchesis, Bent Blue, The Collective, JR & Katie, PopTart Monkeys, Axum, Green Eggs, and Velveeta.

"All the entertainment helps me forget about the time and my feet and keeps me motivated," said James Marin (sophomore-telecommunications).