Beer, guitars, drums, loyal fans and a fun attitude on stage are all the ingredients needed for Nate, Scott and Nick to play a rocking show.

Kountertop, an alternative trio from Ames, has been performing at People’s Bar and Grill, 2430 Lincoln Way, on Thursday nights under the name KTop.

In the summer of 1996, brothers Scottcq and Nick Ericksoncq met with Nate Guesscq and formed what is today known as Kountertop. Originally playing grunge or alternative rock with inspirations such as Weezer, Filter and Our Lady of Peace, the trio is attempting something a little different with their new Thursday night rotation at People’s.

“They have a unique sound for a power rock trio, with harmonizing vocals that is guitar and bass driven,” says Justin Meanscq, manager for the band.

Taking over Kentucky Fried Mullet’s position as the regular band for Thursday evenings, Kountertop was approached with the opportunity but needed to change their format — they must be a cover band.

The name KTop was created because the band still wanted people to recognize Kountertop as a band with a different spin, rather than a completely new band.

“We wanted to not let people drift away from recognizing Kountertop as an already established band,” says Means.

Playing a wide range of covers today, from classic rock to cheesy 1980s, Kountertop began to play covers, in request of parents and friends, long before performing at People’s.

The synergy that exists between the members of the band is something Kountertop prides itself in.

Means says Kountertop has a chemistry he has never seen before in any other band in the many years he has been working in the music business in Ames.

Guitarist Nick Erickson says the band has been playing together for nine years and wouldn’t consider playing with anyone else.

“Each of us in the back of our heads know what the other ones are thinking,” says Erickson. “We have a good feel for each other.”

Kountertop, the cover band and the original, are known for having a good time on and off stage.

“We’re a beer drinking band and so are our fans,” says Means.

Means says there is a dedicated core group of fans that have followed Kountertop since the beginning. These fans continue to support them as they play as KTop on Thursday nights at People’s, and it has been packed for five Thursdays in a row.

Kountertop enjoys playing covers as KTop and is grateful to be able to have a weekly spot but admits playing their own original music can be more satisfying. Kountertop plans on working on a new album of original songs, and will begin to record an 11-song album this June at A440 Studios in Minneapolis. The tentative release date for the new album is set for late summer 2005.

“Cover bands are fun, but the ultimate goal is within originals,” Erickson says. “There’s no other feeling than when you actually can hear what you’ve done and the way it sounds on tape.”

What: KTOP

Where: People’s Bar and Grill

When: Thursday May 5, 2005 10 p.m.

Cost: $3