Bluegrass in State College will have its crowning moment tonight when the Del McCoury Band takes the stage.

The bluegrass legend will perform at 8 tonight at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave.

Mike Negra, executive director of the State Theatre, said he thinks the Del McCoury Band's performance will be one of the top five the theater has ever seen. However, he said ticket sales for the event have been lacking.

"What's the best rock 'n' roll band of all time? The Rolling Stones? Who's the greatest jazz musician? B.B. King? Who's the best bluegrass band? Del McCoury," Negra said. "They're the top bluegrass band out there. Period."

The five-person band is composed of Del, his two sons Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo), Alan Bartram (bass) and Jason Carter (fiddle).

McCoury lived in York, Pa., and raised his two sons there. Since most of his Pennsylvania shows are in Philadelphia, McCoury said he is particularly excited to play in the heartland of the state.

The band has worked with many big names in the country music industry such as Alison Krauss, Dierks Bentley and Drew Emmit, McCoury said. Another artist who he has worked and played with is the late Bill Monroe, often referred to as "the father of bluegrass," McCoury added.

McCoury said the band has also worked with the more progressive band, Phish.

"He obviously has an appreciation for the younger generation," said Kristy Cyone, marketing manager for the State Theatre.

Negra said he believes there has been a recent increase in bluegrass awareness and appreciation.

"It's a challenge to play this music, and I think that's why a lot of young people are drawn to it," McCoury said of the bluegrass comeback. "It's really growing, I'm really proud of it. The only thing I regret is that a lot of the old guys don't get to see this."

As for the set list for tonight's show, there is none planned. The band will play whatever songs the audience wishes to hear, as it always does, McCoury said.

"Sometimes people will request other people's songs, and I usually tell them, 'Well, I'm sorry but you'll have to wait for them to come and play that,' " he said.