"We wanted to hold true to bands in State College, if we can get diverse bands from other places that's great, but we don't want to overlook the really good talent in State College," McDowell said.

McDowell said that when choosing the bands for THON, the captains had to start from scratch, and she used a lot of contacts that she had made through working at a local bar to get in touch with local bands.

"I remembered a lot of the bands that had played before so we tried to bring a lot of
them back," McDowell said. "This year we have a pretty diverse group. There's hip-hop, reggae classic rock, a lot of different music."

Brent Martin, keyboardist and vocalist for local '80s cover band Velveeta, said this is the eighth or ninth time Velveeta has played at THON. He said Velveeta will play a set full of the most danceable, well-known sing-along songs that the band knows, to give the dancers energy to get through the weekend.

"I think it's always an incredibly positive experience not only for us but in general," Martin said. "It's amazing to see so many people come together for a good cause."

Nightcrawlers drummer Steve Arnold said the band has
never played at THON before, but added that he is looking forward to it.

The Nightcrawlers are set to release their debut EP soon, Arnold said, adding that the band's sound is a combination of Americana, funk, rock, jazz and alt-country, blended into a style that is uniquely the band's own. He said the band would play a mix of originals and covers at THON.

"It's a great cause and we are pleased to lend our support," Arnold said. "We want to play stuff that will keep those tired kids interested and energized."