Pennsylvania songwriters Mark DeRose and Mike Mizwinski aren't childhood friends, but they've known each other long enough to want to play together.

"We both dug each other's music, and Mark brought up the idea of doing a show together," Mizwinski said, adding the pair seemed like a good match.

The two instate folk/funk singer-songwriters will perform together for the first time at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Attic at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., in a show called "An Evening with Mark DeRose and Mike Mizwinski."

DeRose, a Penn State alumnus, is a singer/songwriter who uses acoustic guitar and piano in his music. He lives in York and said he dedicates a lot of time touring at colleges to promote his album Tales from the Sandcastle Kingdom.

DeRose said he will be playing many songs from that new album, along with some covers of Beatles' songs and "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn.

DeRose's fans commonly describe his music as sincere, with a folk/funk sound, he said, adding that he's been compared to artists like John Mayer and Dave Matthews.

"Music is about examining life. My music definitely has an element of trying to see the brighter side of life," DeRose said. "People tell me it's the kind of music to enjoy when you're driving in the car with the wind in your face, or just having a cookout grilling burgers with some really good friends."

The second act of the night, Mizwinski, is a singer/songwriter from Scranton. He said his music is rooted in acoustic folk/rock and he's influenced by jam sessions that feature musical improvisation.

For artists like Mizwinski and DeRose, the Attic's atmosphere may suit their style of music well.

"Our upper lobby area is smaller so people can sit and gather around the stage," said Kristy Cyone, marketing and sales manager for The State Theatre. "The Attic is set up for a college-age group, like an intimate jam session with a bunch of friends."

Mizwinski will be playing songs from his album The Madness In My Mind, which was released last summer.

"I've been making music since I was 11 years old," he said, adding that music-making runs in his family. "One day I just picked up a guitar and I've been making music ever since."

Mizwinski said his most outstanding gig happened to be his first ever. He played in the legendary Los Angeles club the Troubadour, which has hosted such acts as Elton John and James Taylor.

DeRose's favorite performance, however, was closer to State College.

"My most personally memorable performance was at Carlisle High School," DeRose said. "I really didn't expect it to be amazing, but I totally connected with the crowd. That's the reason I like to play -- to connect with people -- so it was a great night."