On a cold State College night this past Saturday, the warm, laid-back feel of the Caribbean took over Levels Nightclub for Reggae Nation .
The night featured The Perkolators , a State College-based reggae/rock band, which entertained eager fans with a reggae spin on today’s popular tracks.
Levels had been contemplating having theme-nights and left the choice of what it should be up to the patrons.
The night’s theme was decided by a poll on Levels’ Facebook page, Tim Crockett , Levels manager, said. Reggae was one of the top three choices chosen by voters.
Matt Price , a patron of Levels and the drummer for The Perkolators, approached Crockett and told the club manager about his reggae band. Crockett was more than willing to have Price’s band perform in Reggae Nation at Levels.
Crockett was excited to have a reggae band perform in the club because it is not a typical genre that is present in State College.
Even with the Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panehellenic Dance Marathon this weekend, the event had a decent amount of people attend — he said over 300 people attended the event.
“I thought it was amazing,” Crockett said. “The sound system really allowed everything to be heard well.”
The band’s lively performance was generally well-received by the audience.
Crissee Gordon , the lead singer, kept the crowd gathered in front of the stage on its feet, but the night was also mellow enough to allow those to relax on the upper level.
“The lead singer has a nice voice,” Amanda Dietrick , an audience member, said. “They all sounded great.”
The band covered a variety of songs — some of which do not fall under the traditional genre of reggae music. The Perkolators made the songs their own, though, and gave them a reggae vibe.
“It’s a nice change of pace from the typical State College music,” Brian Rowan , an audience member, said.
This is the first time Reggae Nation has happened at Levels, but it will definitely not be the last, Crockett said. The Perkolators will return to the club March 22.
