The first time Galactic left New Orleans, it wasn't by choice.

Hurricane Katrina left one of the band members' homes completely destroyed and damaged the rest. The funk/jazz jam band wasn't even allowed back into the studio and had to travel to the East Coast to finish recording, bassist Robert Murcurio said

"It definitely displaced us," Mercurio said. "A lot of people moved, and we lost a lot of friends. That was probably the most painful thing -- that it happened all at once. Usually one friend moves, and then a few years later, another."

Although the band resettled in the city, it is once again visiting the East Coast -- this time, on its own terms.

Galactic will play at 8 tonight at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., along with guests The Hood Internet and Corey Henry.

The band was already accustomed to change and adaptation by the time Katrina hit New Orleans. Galactic began expanding its sound for 2007's From the Corner to the Block, enlisting MCs and soul singers like Juvenile and Gift of Gab to incorporate vocals into its heavily instrumental sound.

Although the group is enlisting similar artists again, Mercurio said the next album will rely more on locally-based vocalists for collaboration. The band plans to come up with a "dream list" of performers the members want to work with and see who best fits each specific song.

"The album is not as heavily hip-hop-oriented at all," said Mercurio. "It's more about our vision or reaction to collaborating with these people."

To recreate songs live without a vocalist, the band will rearrange the song instrumentally. The group also uses samplers and has done tours in the past with collaborators who are invited onstage, Mercurio said.

The band incorporates other electronics and effects in its performances, taking influence from bands like Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine, in addition to funk music like The Meters and James Brown.

"I don't think we're trying to be the torch band, but in a way, we are trying to push it forward," said Mercurio. "We are funk, but you don't have to sound like a '70s party band like P-Funk or KC and the Sunshine Band."

Opening the show will be The Hood Internet, a group that makes music solely from electronic means.

The group creates mash-ups from a cappella DJ singles and cleverly edits tracks with software, mixing disparate genres together, band member Steve Reidell said.

All of the group's music is available online at its Web site for free and on its mix tapes. The band is just finishing up its fourth collection, Reidell said. Although tonight's show will be upbeat and feature very danceable music, Mercurio doesn't think the seated venue will be a hindrance on the evening.

"We demand people will not sit down," Mercurio said.