When it's time to pick an instrument to play, many kids gravitate to the guitar or piano -- not the banjo.

However, the banjo has recently become a popular topic of discussion at Penn State.

In a collaborative effort with the Palmer Art Museum and its banjo exhibit, the Center for Performing Arts will be hosting The Banjo Summit tomorrow night at Eisenhower Auditorium.

"This is a creatign of our executive director," said Laura Sullivan, spokeswoman for the Center for the Performing Arts. "He knew the Palmer Art Museum was doing an exhibit, and we often try to pair up our events, and the timing was right."

Things also fell into place for Sullivan and the others at Eisenhower when banjo player Tony Trischka took it upon himself to make sure that he and the other members of The Banjo Summit were able to perform a concert together, she said.

"Tony was really helpful in getting all five together," Sullivan said. "He was Bela Fleck's teacher when he was younger, and we've always sold well in the past with Bela."

Sullivan said she is also hoping that a talk with performer Trischka to be held before he takes the stage will also get concertgoers in the mood for the show.

"It's something we try to do before every concert; we call it Artistic Viewpoints so the performers can talk about playing and their upcoming concert," Sullivan said.

The talk will take place in the conference room in Eisenhower at 7 p.m. However, due to limited seating, Sullivan said not everyone can attend.

"It's definitely first come, first served, and 75 percent of the time, the pre-talk is done with an actual performer," Sullivan said. "It's a nice way to get up close and personal with the artist."

Sullivan also said all five of the performers have played individually with one another before, but this is the first time all five will perform together on stage.

"This will really showcase all styles of music, from bluegrass to jazz, rock, classical music," Sullivan said. "It will be a giant jam session with all five guys on stage doing solo performances to showcase the style of music they're known for, as well as throwing it back and forth to one another."

While banjo music is not the most popular form of entertainment, Mark Biega, owner of Arboria Records, 119 E. Beaver Ave., said The Banjo Summit is showcasing the best the instrument has to offer.

"They're definitely bringing together better contemporary banjo players," Biega said.

"We sell a lot of Bela Fleck, but we'll see a spike in his sales once he plays this weekend," he added.

Music buffs like Biega are not the only ones excited for The Banjo Summit tomorrow night.

Other locals from the State College area said they are eager to see the concert as well.

"I really like all of their music," Katie Kingera said. "I am really excited to hear that they're coming."