Greg Johnson's name might not be familiar, but his blonde hair (sometimes wrapped with a bandana) and tenor saxophone might be a familiar sight anywhere from the Palmer Art Museum to The Phyrst, 111 E. Beaver Ave., or The Deli, 113 Hiester St.

Johnson (sophomore-music performance) is beginning his third semester with Centre Dimensions, the most selective jazz ensemble at Penn State.

The ensemble held its second concert of the semester last night in Esber Recital Hall.

He also has a number of side projects that keep him busy honing his saxophone skills.

Johnson plays with his own group, Punk Jazz, was a member of the local band Lemonsoul, performs in the State College area alongside other local musicians and occasionally plays solo.

He said among all his projects and groups, Punk Jazz is by far his favorite.

"Punk Jazz was a project inspired by Chris Potter with really open harmony and shifty rhythms," Johnson said.

Writing original music for the group and using it as a creative outlet for his own material is his favorite part about Punk Jazz, he said.

The band draws its musical inspiration from Johnson's interests in everything from indie-rock band Radiohead to neoclassical composer Igor Stravinsky.

"The chemistry between the guys is unbelievable, but unfortunately they live in different places," Johnson said, noting that the group has only been able to play five or six times due to the distance between each of the members.

"It's a bunch of different people who interpret music differently, but come together," he said.

After playing with Lemonsoul, who won last year's Battle of the Bands and played at Movin' On in the spring, for two years, Johnson said he isn't currently playing with the group due to time conflicts.

He said he wants to focus on writing his own music much more in the future.

"I'd rather be developing my own songbook, writing more," he said.

Johnson added that although he's no longer a member of Lemonsoul, he still enjoyed his time playing with the band.

"I loved playing with Lemonsoul and I'm always trying to be creative," he said.

Johnson was born in Mission Viejo, Calif., but moved to State College when he was a toddler.

He said his family wasn't particularly involved with music when he was younger.

"Everyone in my family is in the military, so there's not a lot of musical influence," Johnson said.

But, he said, playing music wasn't a rebellious act for him either.

"You have to be who you are, whether you're in the army or a jazz musician," Johnson said.

David Sanborn was one of Johnson's first inspirations, but he is mainly influenced today by John Coltrane, Chris Potter, Michael Brecker and local musician Rick Hirsch.

He said Hirsch has helped him develop his writing as well as his performance.

"He's a big influence on what I write. I steal a lot from him, and I think he knows it, too," Johnson said.

The saxophone has become more than an instrument for him, especially because he is almost constantly practicing or performing.

"I have scars on my hands and in my mouth from playing it. It's a connection I'll always have," he said.

Like a phantom steering wheel after many hours of driving, Johnson said his saxophone feels as if it is always there.

"I can feel it resonating to music, even when it's not in my hands," he said.