Donny Burns & The 3rd Degree made a return to THON, electrifying the Bryce Jordan Center with classics beginning around midnight Saturday morning. The quartet, led by singer Donny Burns, has been a staple of the State College bar scene for the past few years. 

The band began with “When You Were Young” by The Killers, a 2006 hit. Next, they rocked out to “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, which brought the building to life. Many in attendance joined in on the singing as lead singer Donny Burns let the dancers take over for a few verses. Truly the only word that could describe the performance is Kachow.

The group then performed a rendition of “How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox Twenty, followed by Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”

The band took a quick water break before resuming the mini-concert with a cover of “Love Shack” by The B-52’s.

Staying in the 80s, Burns and Co. performed “Beat It” by Michael Jackson.

The group then busted into Penn State fan favorite “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes as everyone began chanting along to the iconic riff. 

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba was the next song up in the setlist, followed by “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds. Burns addressed the crowd mid-song, searching to sing the “la-la-la” portion in a call-and-response manner. The dancers wholeheartedly complied, showing no signs of slowing. 

As “assorted subs” were being passed out on the floor, the band continued by playing John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.” The first notes of “American Girl” by Tom Petty then began to echo throughout the Bryce Jordan Center, which were greeted with a cheer from many in attendance. The band cut the music at different points, allowing everyone to belt out the 1976 classic. Sections 116 and 117 joined in on the fun and had a cheering-war mid song.

The performance continued with some 80s rock and roll, as “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses was the next tune to excite the THON crowd.

The band then played its second song by The Killers of the night, “Mr. Brightside,” before concluding with “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The concert lasted nearly an hour and was a great way to spend hour No. 7 and begin day No. 2.