This weekend students are invited to catch the Caribbean flavor at Jamaican Junction's Spring Bash.

Jamaican Junction's Caribbean Cuisine, 120 E. Beaver Ave., and Jamaican Junction Gift Shop, 111 S. Pugh St., will be providing free food and beverages, as well as hosting four local bands and two Pittsburgh-based bands for the event.

"The bash will be very laid-back," Seymour Anson, the restaurant's owner, said. "Just come and have fun."

The relaxed atmosphere of the bash, which will be held at a student's house, will allow students to have one last hurrah before finals week and graduation, gift shop owner Michael Hultberg, who goes by "Uncle Mike," said. He said he is not worried about attendance, even though he didn't advertise much for the bash.

"But I do know [students] like events, especially free events," he said.

Hultberg said the bash is a chance for both stores to thank their patrons.

"It's our version of a customer-service day," he said.

Students involved with the Penn State Caribbean Student Association (CSA) said they are very excited about this event.

"I am happy to see that the event is open to all students. This way students will be able to see a little of the Caribbean culture," CSA Vice President Jabari Hall (junior-information sciences and technology) said. "My organization will be there to show our support."

Anson said Jamaican Junction Caribbean Cuisine allows people to experience a culture that may be very new to them.

"Having the restaurant here allows people to try new foods that maybe other towns do not have," Anson said.

The atmosphere also helps patrons get a feel for the Caribbean.

"The restaurant really embraces the Caribbean culture with its music, bright colors and Jamaican symbols all over the store," Jamaican Junction associate Ed Hoey said.

Jamaican Junction will be serving famous Caribbean dishes like barbecued jerk chicken, beans and rice and seasoned potatoes at the bash.

"Jerk chicken is my signature dish," Anson said. "Pretty much everyone loves it."

Although Jamaican Junction will be serving mainly Caribbean cuisine, the bands reflect a wide variety of tastes.

"There are blue grass, rock and jam bands, as well as a reggae band," Hultberg said.

Although tonight's party is open to everyone, Hultberg said they are not looking to cause trouble.

"Because everyone is invited, it could get interesting," he said. "So we have some security just to make everything run smoothly. We're taking all the steps."

Students who attend the bash will also have a chance to be in the videotaped version of the party.

"Next year, when all the people graduating this year are in business suits, they are going to be able to put on a Jamaican Junction's shirt, watch the video and remember how much fun they had," Hultberg said.

He added that the party is in celebration of a good year, considering both stores are fairly new to the State College scene.

"We had a good year, so now it's our turn to give back," Hultberg said.