Part of what gives each State College bar its character is the music it plays — from the Basement’s club vibes to the middle school dance party at the Gaff to the Phyrst’s recurring slate of live music.

While plenty of local DJs have risen to notoriety in town, a majority of the bars host bands throughout the week and usually in a pretty regular rotation. The local band scene offers something for everyone’s taste, from oldies to early 2000s punk rock. Here’s a guide to the most popular bands you will find during your adventures in the State College bar scene.

Corner Brothers

Born and raised in State College, Tyler and Matt Greer are Penn State alumni and have been performing around the area for nearly ten years. Known for the variety in their setlist, the brothers know how to entertain the crowd. Catch them during PHH on Saturdays and at Cafe Wednesday nights.

Genre: Folk-rock/acoustic
Where to find them: Cafe 210 West and The Phyrst

Burn Unit

A mix of artists from various local bands, Burn Unit is a staple to the State College bar scene. While sticking mostly to oldies and classic rock, the band will often take requests on Instagram and during their shows. Outside of downtown bars, Burn Unit always gets the middle-of-the-night crowd rocking at THON. Check them out during Sunday Funday at The Phyrst.

Genre: 70s/80s/90s Rock
Where to find them: The Phyrst, Saloon

Southpaw

Known for renditions of the punk rock songs we all remember from middle school, Southpaw is a group of four guys who perform all over the east coast. From Blink-182 to Third Eye Blind, the band’s setlist will take you back. In addition to their regular shows at The Phyrst, Southpaw offers karaoke with the band before performances.

Genre: 90s/2000s punk rock
Where to find them: The Phyrst

Ted and the Hi-Fis

A favorite of Friday Phyrst-goers, Ted and the Hi-Fis is a local favorite. Composed of local artists including Penn State alumnus and local icon Ted McCloskey and Penn State professor Molly Countermine (If you’re reading this, ILY), the band embodies the essence of local music. Playing a variety of old favorites from The Cranberries to The Beatles, the band is always worth waiting in an impossibly long Phyrst line. 

Genre: Rock/pop
Where to find them: The Phyrst

My Hero Zero

A staple downtown and at Penn State events, My Hero Zero offers an electrifying set of pop covers. The group plays year-round at Arts Fest, Homecoming, and THON, in addition to weekly performances at downtown bars. The band’s weekly sets are typically on Thursdays at the Phyrst and Fridays at Champs.

Genre: Acoustic pop/indie punk
Where to find them: The Phyrst, Champs Downtown

Brass Cadillacs

The “Brass Cads” is State College’s local ska band and as synonymous with Cafe on Thursdays as discounted tea pitchers. Playing middle school favorites such as “Dirty Little Secret,” “Come on Eileen,” “Ocean Avenue’ and “Stacy’s Mom,” the Brass Cadillacs offer consistent crowd-pleasers but with unique twists, thanks to their combination of instruments, which include a trumpet, saxophone, and bass.

Genre: Ska/90s/2000s
Where to find them: The Phyrst, Cafe 210 West

Piano Fight Club

Also known as Dueling Pianos, this duo has become a Wednesday night tradition and caused the line at The Phyrst to stretch around the corner, past Rita’s, before 10 p.m. Hailing from the Philadelphia area, Eric Henkels and Pat Smith pride themselves on a setlist exclusively based on requests. From The Killers to Amy Winehouse, the pair always puts on a good show. 

Genre: literally any request
Where to find them: The Phyrst

Velveeta

A band consisting of four local friends, Velveeta made its debut at The Brewery in 1995. A regular occurrence at downtown bars, the band covers a variety of classic hits. 

Genre: 80s/90s
Where to find them: Saloon, The Brewery, The Phyrst

Pure Cane Sugar

A State College favorite, this group of five offers original songs and covers of your favorite classic hits. The band received State College Magazine’s recognition for best local band/musician from 2015-2018. 

Genre: Americana
Where to find them: Zeno’s

Lowjack

A mainstay in the State College music scene since 2003, Lowjack offers original hits and covers of all the best throwback jams from well-known bands including Dave Matthews Band and Tom Petty. Lowjack offers nothing but good vibes and always puts on a great show, which is even better after a Beaver Stadium win on Saturdays during the fall.

Genre: 80s/90s/2000s
Where to find them: The Phyrst and The Brewery

Lenina Crowne

Although the band is in town less frequently than usual, Lenina Crowne is a favorite among alumni and students alike. The popular group plays everything from Red Hot Chili Peppers to Sublime, in addition to their own originals. 

Genre: Indie rock
Where to find them: The Phyrst, Zenos

Nightcrawlers

Frequenting downtown since 2004, The Nightcrawlers are so stranger to the State College bar scene. The band offers a variety of original hits and covers of songs you definitely know by heart.

Genre: Folk/Bluegrass
Where to find them: The Phyrst, Saloon

Spider Kelly

A regular at Zeno’s on Friday nights, Spider Kelly offers fantastic renditions of your favorite 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s rock hits. These guys are a State College classic and will definitely make you want to dance like no one is watching (or maybe like everyone is watching, if that’s your style). 

Genre: Alternative/classic rock
Where to find them: Zeno’s