When Crowbar closed, some Penn State students worried it might mean the end of live music in downtown State College. But its predecessor, The Cell Block, 420 E. College Ave., is opening its doors to the live music scene tonight as The Benderz make a pit-stop in Happy Valley.

The Benderz, a self-described "ultimate party band," has been touring all over the East Coast, from Boston to Key West.

The Philadelphia-based band plays solely covers, with the exception of an original song all about the band's herbal liqueur sponsor, Jagermeister.

"We've talked about doing some originals, but we've been playing all over the place and haven't had time," Steve Turner, lead guitarist, said.

Even without original music, The Benderz's Web site lists 83 songs that the band can cover, in addition to requests.

"We're there to make it a party... we're not trying to play deep cuts that no one knows," Bill Brazill, lead vocals and guitarist, said.

The band is comprised of Brazill, Turner, Brian Bradley (vocals and guitar), Shawn Atkinson (drummer), Stevie "Keys" Stringer (keyboard) and Mike "Bass," who plays the bass guitar and refuses to give his last name.

What they lack in clever nicknames, they make up for with upbeat anthems and "sing-along" songs.

The band's Jagermeister sponsor also gives them merchandise to dispense at shows, from T-shirts to Hawaiian leis.

"We can entice people to the dance floor with free crap," Bradley said. "Everyone likes free crap."

In addition to the free Jagermeister gear they give out, the audience can also hear cover songs spanning from the late '70s to modern music and songs such as "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Scotty Doesn't Know."

Turner said the band "plays a little bit of everything, but not a lot of anything."

While Brazill sings lead vocals for many of the songs, every band member usually gets a turn to sing.

Bradley, the other vocalist, sings
songs that require a tenor's voice.

"We'll even hit Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone'," Brazill said. "[Bradley] busts out with it and girls love it... even the dudes are singing along -- he can hit every note. It's unreal."

Although the band members said they love to have a great time, they try not to be inebriated for their shows -- but admit to taking a couple of shots of Jager per set.

"Jager doesn't harm your vocal chords," Brazill said. "Beer dries me out. Vodka is harsh, but Jager doesn't affect your voice."

That's a crucial detail for a band playing six to seven shows per week.

The band has played at the other Cell Block bars in Erie and Williamsport. This will be its third appearance at the Cell Block in State College.

The Williamsport Cell Block is an old prison turned into a club -- hence the name.

"[At the Williamsport Cell Block] the stage is where they used to hang people," Brazill said. "It's creepy to look at their old photos and then realize, 'Oh my God, that's where we're playing.' "

Aside from that slightly morbid detail, the band is mainly looking to have a good time while earning a living.

"The talent in the band is unreal -- no one's like 'I'm a total rock star'," Brazill said. "Everyone's real down to Earth. We have as much fun as everyone at the party but we do it for a job."