The weather's cooling off, but tonight at the State Theatre, summer will still be in full swing.

At 8 p.m., Bankie Banx and the Roots and Herbs will bring sunny vibes to the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave. Tickets to the show, which is for ages 14 and up, will be $20 at the door.

Olaide Banks, Bankie's son and manager, said Bankie plays laid-back Caribbean-tinged reggae often dubbed "island music." His backing band, the Roots and Herbs, has been recording and touring with him since 1978.

"His style is more traditional reggae," Olaide Banks said. "It's not dancehall reggae; it's more laid-back."

The State Theatre marketing director Kristy Cyone said the show will be accompanied by a summer-themed atmosphere.

"Bankie Banx is our 'hang on to summer' show," Cyone said. "Best Event Rental, which is sponsoring the show, will have the theater decorated with a Caribbean theme."

Bankie Banx has been called the "Caribbean Bob Dylan," and has performed with Dylan and a host of other musicians over the course of his 30-year career.

"He's known as a lyricist," Olaide Banks said. "People who are into Bob Dylan will be interested in Bankie's music as well."

Olaide Banks said Bankie's sound will be familiar to fans of Jimmy Buffett's music, but also combines elements of folk and blues. Bankie has also gained recognition as a songwriter, and artists such as Richie Havens have covered his songs.

Bankie hails from the tiny Caribbean Island of Anguilla, where he owns a bar, The Dune Preserve, Cyone said. The Preserve is the site of the annual Moonsplash Music Festival. In March 2007, the live concert DVD Jimmy Buffett: Live in Anguilla, featuring Buffett and Bankie, was filmed at the bar.

Olaide Banks said Bankie's live show mixes it up a little to keep things interesting for the audience.

"The show actually involves two sets," Olaide Banks said. "There isn't really a break in between, but there's one set with Bankie playing keyboard and singing, and the other with Bankie playing guitar and singing."

The State Theatre Executive Director Mike Negra said he's known Bankie for years, which made the booking process easy.

"I know Bankie from going down to Anguilla," Negra said. "I've been going there for 10 or 12 years."

Bankie has toured the East Coast many times during his career, but hasn't made many stops in State College.