Homecoming weekend may still be a week away, but for Penn State alumnus Taylor Traversari, this weekend is a chance to bring his band back to Happy Valley and help cheer on the Nittany Lions.

Traversari says his band, Airiel Down, will bring its energetic presence and fresh sound to get students excited during tonight's Rally in the Valley.

The North Carolina-based group will kick off the festivities outside of Rec Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"Being at Penn State for such a huge game is great," Airiel Down drummer Traversari said. "I am so excited to be a part of it."

Promotions assistant for football marketing Jessica Bacheler said she is confident Traversari's excitement will rev-up students for the weekend's activities.

"He has so much Penn State pride, and they're such a good band -- it was just a good fit," she said.

The band will also take the stage at Medlar Field tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Aside from pumping students up for tomorrow's big match-up, the band members said they hope to provide students with a refreshing sound.

"Our music draws from so many different genres that we cannot label ourselves as one specific sound. We consider ourselves energetic organic rock," Traversari said.

He added that the band's eclectic sound could be attributed to the individu ality of each member.

"Unlike other bands, each of us has different taste in music which we combine to make our own sound. Because of that, no two songs sound alike," Traversari said. "Our songs go from really upbeat to chill."

Traversari's sister, who is also a Penn State student, said the band's musical diversity strengthens its sound.

"They are completely different guys, but they come together to make this awesome band," Cydnee Traversari (junior-recreation, tourism and park management) said. "Their lyrics are real and passionate and as a band they are so upbeat."

Although the band's shows do incorporate slower songs with an acoustic guitar, the band's energy has become a cornerstone of their shows.

"If there is nothing else you can say about us after a show, at least you will say, 'Man, they had a lot of energy,' " Traversari said. "We really pride ourselves on that."

Cydnee said the band's energy and genuine love of what they're doing has an effect on the audience.

"It doesn't matter where they play, they are just so excited to perform," she said. "They are just completely into every single show."

The band says their unconventional sound lends itself to a wide and diverse range of fans.

"People aged two to 65 can enjoy their sound," Cydnee said. "All the people I have taken to Airiel Down's shows have been a little skeptical at first because they thought it was just my brother's band. But by the time the show ended they were dancing around to the music."

To create their novel sound, the band incorporates unusual instruments such as the violin, the harmonica and the mandolin.

Although the band is not new to State College, Traversari said this weekend's show will be a breath of fresh air.

"We normally play music-based venues such as concert halls or clubs. We are very excited to be playing a different, smoke-free venue. It's very refreshing," Traversari said.

Football weekends, which always draw throngs of alumni back to their alma mater, proved to be a great opportunity for Traversari to expose his sound to old friends.

"When I was at Penn State I wasn't with this band, but it's going to be a great weekend to reunite with old friends and give them a chance to see the band play," he said.

The band has been working on promoting their debut CD, Vision, that was released in the spring of this year. The band, which has been primarily touring the East Coast, says it plans on venturing west through the winter and spring months. They said they will not stop until they reach their goals.

"We are not a weekend warrior band. This is our work," Traversari said. "We will not stop until we reach the top."