Fusion is the key word when it comes to the Taj Mahal Trio -- the band represents a mix of dialects, genres and instruments that may otherwise not work independently.

And this week, two-time Grammy winner Taj Mahal is bringing his world-renowned sound to State College.

At 8 p.m. Friday, the Taj Mahal Trio will take the stage at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., for what is anticipated to be an amazing show, Kristy Cyone, the State Theatre's marketing director, said.

"This is the trio's first time performing at the State Theatre, and we're expecting a pretty good turnout," Cyone said. "As we're growing closer to the event, the hype is definitely escalating."

Mahal, born Henry St. Claire Fredericks in Harlem, was influenced by the various cultures he was exposed to growing up, according to his Web site, www.tajblues.com.

Both his father, a jazz pianist and music composer of Caribbean descent, and his mother, a gospel singing African-American woman from South Carolina, encouraged him to embrace music in his life, whether it be through instrument lessons or simply through listening, according to the Web site.

Mahal has been performing music for several decades and is recognized for combining a variety of elements to create a distinctive sound, Cyone said.

His trio, in which he plays the guitar, piano and banjo, also includes Bill Rich on bass and Kester Smith on the drums. The blues group maintains the same sort of variety in its performance, Cyone said.

The threesome has been a traveling show for more than 30 years and is considered to be a refreshing blend of folk, jazz, gospel, rock, pop, blues and soul, according to the State Theatre's web site, www.thestatetheatre.org.

"Taj likes to work with a lot of people and incorporates as much as possible into the experience," Cyone said.

Elana Evans (freshman-liberal arts) thinks the upcoming show will attract more of an older audience and not have as much to offer to the student population.

"There's always going to be some group of kids that like this sort of thing, but I don't think a lot of students will be going," she said.

Peter Bumbarger (senior-electrical engineering) agreed.

"Personally, I would enjoy it, but as for the student populous, I don't think it would appeal as much," Bumbarger said. "Maybe something more contemporary would."

Bumbarger admitted jazz is not necessarily his favorite style, but he considers himself open to a variety of music types.

"I'm more of a classic rock guy, but I like to switch it up," he said. "I could see myself going to the show."

Those who are interested in attending should purchase tickets as soon as possible, Cyone said.

The show is listed as being more than half full, she added.

Tickets for the performance are still available at the State Theatre's box office and are selling for $44.

"I wouldn't be surprised to have around 400 guests," Cyone said "This is truly a noteworthy event. Taj is a staple to the genre."