At the age of 19, blues/folk artist Melody Gardot was struck by a car while riding her bike.

Since then, she wears sunglasses during performances because of light sensitivity and she also walks with a cane, Kristy Cyone, State Theatre marketing director, said.

Though piano and music remained a hobby her entire life, the accident prompted Gardot's music career, Cyone said. Doctors recommended she use music as a therapeutic element.

Since the accident, Gardot has developed her musical talents and used them to launch a musical career, Cyone said.

Now, Gadot is bringing her music to State College for the first time. The acoustic blues and jazz musician will debut at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., Cyone said.

Students like Rachel Cichowicz find her musical genre and story interesting.

"I enjoy that type of music. I like big band and blues genres; it's refreshing in comparison to all the pop music that is out there today," Cichowicz (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies)said.

Gardot's music appeals to many different generations, Cyone said.

"She has been compared to Billie Holiday, Norah Jones, Fiona Apple and Ella Fitzgerald," Cyone said.

However, it is difficult to categorize her because she blends many different genres, Cyone said.

"I think because Penn State has such a diverse student body that several different audiences would attend because of all the different tastes in music," Cichowicz said.

Marie Ostrowski (senior-architectural engineering) said though she's not familiar with Gadot's music, her story makes her performance more appealing.

Many people often don't immediately recognize Gardot's name, Cyone said.

"The name isn't something people pick up on right away; however, the unique sound of her music really draws people," Cyone said. "I personally like the sound of it -- it's great, and after listening to her music for the first time, I immediately became a raved fan."

Despite her debilitating circumstances, Melody Gardot has evolved into a widely recognized chanteuse, Cyone said.

She added Gadot has appeared on national television shows like "The Today Show."