Grammy-winning Christian rock band Third Day hopes to shake students out of the belief that its music isn't rock and roll.

Although not entirely new to Penn State, the Georgia-native band is scheduled to play its first show at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) this Sunday as a part of its Wherever You Are tour.

Also sharing the stage with Third Day are groups The David Crowder Band and Hyper Static Union.

Third Day guitarist Mark Lee said
all three bands have complimentary sounds and styles that will create a great show.

"All of us mesh well sonically," he said. "Hyper Static Union has great pop songs and a cool funk vibe, while the David Crowder Band does great experimental stuff. We have a roots rock Americana sound."

The band's sounds incorporate intimate moments but are primarily upbeat, Lee said.

"There is a lot of energy, our shows are definitely upbeat. It is just going to be a great rock show," Lee said.

The David Crowder Band's fan base is primarily college students, which has made the tour a success in most of the college towns they have visited.

"David has created such a buzz; this is his main gig," Lee said.

The bands are excited to play a college town not only because they have received such great responses for them but also because of the audience interaction with students.

"It is great to actually be on campus," Lee said. "And college students know how to have fun at concerts."

Lee accredits his southern roots for his band's sound.

"We grew up listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Black Crowes, who formed us as we grew into a band," he said. "But, we're from Atlanta -- southern rock is in the water."

Lee said he wants to do more than just play songs when he passes through Happy Valley -- the band wants to wow the crowd as well.

"We want [the audience] to feel like they've been somewhere at the end of the show," Lee said.

Often Christian rock gets labeled as boring, mellow church music, but Lee said anyone who believes that should check out the show.

Although Christian undertones fuel their music, they do not overwhelm it, he said.

"People always think that they are going to get preached at. We are Christian and our faith informs what we do, but we make rock music," Lee said.

He encouraged students to experience something new.

"I highly recommend that you come check out the show, you will not be disappointed, I guarantee it," he added.

The band's brand manager Stephanie Waldrop said Third Day's music is not limited to the spiritual and may hit home with many students.

"The primary message on the band's most recent project is one of hope in the midst of adversity. The message has been widely received because everyone tends to go through seasons and trials and tough times throughout their life," she said.

Bernie Punt, director of marketing and sales for the BJC, said the student response has been great so far.

"We have had requests for Third Day and The David Crowder Band by students," Punt said. "The show has a primarily young audience. We are expecting around 5,000, which is tremendous for this show."

The nearly year-long Wherever You Are tour is scheduled to wrap up in mid-November.

Lee said the band is excited for some down time at home.

"Throughout the tour we have been practically everywhere and Pennsylvania completes it," Lee said. "Now the tour is going to be moving towards the
South."

After its break, the band is hoping to start work on a new CD and do some international touring.