The Cell Block is looking to live music to drum up support for Thon with a 21-and-over musical preview tonight at the annual Thon Band Bash from 9 p.m. to midnight.

"This is another alternative way for people involved with Thon to come out and support our organization," said Ian Rickenbach, Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon overall entertainment chairman.

The event was initially scheduled to be all ages, but Joe Yamma, general manager of the Cell Block, 420 E. College Ave., said it will only be open to those 21 and older because of liability issues and confidence that the headlining band, Lost in Paris, can fill the venue.

"There's no doubt in my mind that we can pack the place," Yamma said of the West Chester-based band. Lost in Paris, who describes their sound as "musical journey that travels to all corners of the musical map from rock to rap," has played the venue before and produced a good turnout, Yamma said.

Another one of the bands that will play at the event is Monacy, named after the road that drummer Nick Ruffini grew up on. Ruffini said he would classify the band as a "funk-rock jam band."

"I think our style is something totally different," Ruffini said. He added that the band's lyricist is "one of the best lyricists around."

Ruffini said the band has released one EP, titled Intensely Casual Volume 1, which contains five tracks. To make the EP, the band recorded a whole album and then cut it in half to make two EPs. The second EP, Intensely Casual Volume 2, will be released at a later date and will contain five to seven tracks. Instead of selling its music, the band just gives it away.

"No one buys music anymore," Ruffini said. "We'd rather give albums out to fans for free than make them steal them."

This is the first year Monacy will be involved with Thon. The band was asked to play at Thon Band Bash and during Thon weekend after a friend of the band, who is a graduate of Penn State, contacted the Thon entertainment committee.

Ruffini encouraged people to come out and see the band's live performance.

"I'd say we're more of a live band than a studio band," he said, adding that free CDs will be at the show.

J.R. and Natalie Band will also play at the Band Bash. Vocalist and guitarist J.R. Mangan said the band plays covers of classic rock and country songs, as well as some of its own songs.

Mangan has lived in State College for 23 years and has had several different lead vocalists for his band. The band's current lead vocalist, Natalie Berenna, has been with the band for three years.

Mangan said the band, who plays at Café 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., on a regular basis, plays everything from Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks to the Rolling Stones.

"We like to mix it up," Mangan said.

J.R. and Natalie Band has not released any albums, but Mangan has released eight albums with other vocalists.

Mangan has been involved with Thon for about 18 years. Last year, J.R. and Natalie Band capped off Thon by playing the last act on Sunday.

"We played in front of about 10,000 people," Mangan said. "It was the largest crowd we've played in front of."

Brandolini said asking J.R. and Natalie Band to play again this year was an "easy choice" because "they get the kids really involved."

During the band's performances at Thon, Mangan said band members invite the children onto the stage.

"They like to get up there and play air guitar," Mangan said. "Playing there is so much fun. The families are unbelievable."

Rickenbach said events like this are held throughout the year to build anticipation for Thon weekend, which will be held Feb. 22 through Feb. 24.

"It proves that Thon isn't just a weekend," he said. "It's another way for us to show how we Thon on throughout the entire year."