The Paris Creperie, 616 W. College Ave., a fairly new State College restaurant with a modern, offbeat atmosphere, recently began featuring live music every Thursday and Friday night.

Gavin Abrams-Schwartz, owner of the Creperie, said live music is something he has been planning for his business since its opening. He has even made sure that the restaurant is equipped with an acoustic piano, an interesting acquisition since most venues stock electric equipment, Abrams-Schwartz said.

"I love acoustic jazz, and there aren't many places around that have that," he said.

Blues and jazz are the focus of the music at the Creperie, which features the band J.T. Blues on Thursdays and jazz trio the Rick Hirsch Three on Fridays. This musical combination, unusual for a venue so close to campus, draws an eclectic crowd. The seats are filled with students looking for an alternative to weekend parties and bars, as well as older residents of State College.

Marilyn Keat, a retired Penn State faculty member, explained the importance of the Creperie in the community. "There aren't that many places in State College anymore that offer live music," Keat said.

The featured music certainly seems to draw a lot of attention and interest.

"The first week we had music here, the place was packed, and people have been coming to see the bands despite the bad weather we've been having," Abrams-Schwartz said.

The atmosphere of the restaurant seems to draw as much admiration as the music itself, from the audience and bands alike. The modern, offbeat decoration scheme supports informality, in which the audience and band are free to converse, eat and enjoy themselves.

The members of the Rick Hirsch Three agree the Creperie is one of their favorite venues. "Bars get smoky and noisy, but this is a very intimate space where we can play undistracted and where we can interact with the audience," bassist Drew Menzies said.

And interact they do. Between songs, band members talk to the audience, answering questions, joking and taking requests.

The Creperie does not sell alcohol, although it does support a "BYOB" policy, and many patrons commented on their appreciation of the smoke and (mostly) alcohol-free atmosphere.

Abrams-Schwartz said he has many more plans for his restaurant, including adding more bands as performers and featuring live music on more nights throughout the week. There has even been some consideration of hosting an open-mic night.

Abrams-Schwartz said he is dedicated to the local entertainment community.

"We want to be one of the best live venues in State College," he said.