Homecoming 2005 might be almost half a year away, but the university is already gearing up for the annual celebration of Penn State pride.

Events will begin at 8 tonight with the "Raise the Song" benefit at the Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave. The all-ages show, featuring The Nightcrawlers, Body and Soul and Tokyo Vertigo, will benefit Centre Volunteers in Medicine, a non-profit organization that provides primary healthcare for about 11,000 uninsured residents of Centre County.

Tickets for the show are $5 for all Penn State students and will be sold at the door.

"I think it is a really great way to get students involved and realize that a new part of this year's Homecoming is community service," said Emily Quinn, community service overall.

Jacqueline Paquet, media relations overall, said there is a two-fold plan to homecoming this year: To let Penn State students know that homecoming is year-round, not just a week in October, and that Homecoming is a chance for students to give back to the community.

"As Penn State students, community service is essential to what we do," Paquet said.

Quinn said she chose to give the proceeds from the concert to Centre Volunteers in Medicine because it is a small organization and is sometimes overlooked. "It exists to fill the gap for people who can't afford health care," she said.

Quinn said tonight's featured bands have appeared at Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon events in the past and have been "really easy to work with."

"I think it sets the tone for what we want to accomplish for Homecoming this year," Paquet said.

Maryanne Neal, Centre Volunteers in Medicine clinical director, said there is a mutually beneficial relationship between Penn State and the organization.

"I think the interest we've had from Penn State students overall in our clinic is great," Neal said.

She added that Centre Volunteers in Medicine has a small paid staff, but is helped by more than 200 active volunteers from physicians to receptionists, as well as some Penn State students.

The theme for Homecoming 2005 will be unveiled the weekend of the Blue and White game, which is in two and a half weeks.