Even though India is oceans away from Penn State, tonight no boats are necessary to get a feel for its culture.

Indian Ocean, an Indian fusion band, will perform for its first time at Penn State at 6:30 tonight in the HUB-Robeson Center. The band comprises four members, who play Indian instruments and sing in five different languages, said Vikas Argod, undergraduate and Association for India's Development (AID) member.

He said AID decided to bring Indian Ocean to Penn State to create awareness of the organization.

"The band is very famous in India and many of their songs are about various social situations in India," he said. "They can sing in English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, Aramaic. It's not your typical band; they are totally different and unique."

Rahul Ram, who plays bass guitar and sings vocals in the band, said the group's music is hard to describe but is a mix of fusion, jazz and folk. Their music brings together classical Indian music and the intensity of rock.

"Our music is unique; it's about having fun," Ram said. "Students should come out to the concert because it is so much fun. It's not the kind of concert where you just sit and listen."

The band's first album was released in 1992, and it has made four albums since. Its live album, Desert Rain, was the first live album released by an Indian band, according the band's Web site.

"This is something really special and unique for students to experience," Argod said. "UPAC is funding the event so it is free to all students and provides students with the opportunity to learn more about Indian culture."

The concert is being sponsored by AID and the Indian Graduate Association. AID is a volunteer movement organization working on sustainable development initiating and supporting projects in diverse areas such as health, education and appropriate technology.