Homecoming weekend may be filled with parades, football games, streets lined orange and blue and the occasional flash mob.

However, one thing to add to that lineup is a very special guest.

Death Cab for Cutie will take center stage at Assembly Hall on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s exciting because not only do we have the students celebrating Homecoming, but that they also come and support one of their favorite bands,” said Jennifer Larson, assistant director of marketing at Assembly Hall.

This is the third time the band will play in Champaign, and now the quartet is back to promote “Codes and Keys,” their seventh studio album, released in May 2011.

The band, comprised of Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, Nick Harmer and Jason McGerr, has released six studio albums since they formed in 1997. McGerr joined the band after replacing Michael Schorr in 2003.

Earlier this week The Daily Illini had the chance to speak with drummer Jason McGerr to discuss the band’s current tour.

*Daily Illini: How is the tour going so far?*

*Jason McGerr*: It’s going really well. We recently wrapped up our summer tour and are about to start our fall tour tonight in Cincinnati. We’re excited to be promoting our new material to fans and are happy to be back to perform in Champaign.

DI: The band was here in October 2008. How is your show going to be different this year?

*JG*: It’s going to be a great performance. We’ve made two albums since we last came here (to Champaign), so it’s obviously going to be different. This show is weighted more on the new material, and every show is a different experience. We have two different set lists, so fans can anticipate an unexpected line-up. We love playing our old songs (on tour), but we want to showcase the new songs too.

*DI*: What is the most popular song you’ve played on this tour?

*JG*: We’ve played a lot of “You are a Tourist”, one of our biggest

hits from the new album, as well as “Crooked Teeth” and “I Will Possess Your Heart.” We like to mix the material and create a unique performance for each show.

*DI*: You’re playing on a college campus. How does playing to that audience compare to playing in larger arenas?

*JG*: We got our start playing at the University of Washington in Seattle and played at more college campuses that were interested in booking us. Returning to Champaign makes us feel like beginners again. Sometimes people feel restricted (in whether to stand or sit) in the audience at larger venues. College campuses are way cooler. We always look forward to having a body of students see us play.

*DI*: When the band is touring, what type of music are you guys inspired by?

*JG*: We’re inspired by a multitude of indie-rock bands. We really like the new St. Vincent record (“Strange Mercy”), Telekinesis, Bon Iver, a band from San Diego called Soft Pack, and of course, Wilco. We’re really inspired by them.

*DI*: When you’re not touring, what do you do in your free time?

*JG*: We rarely have time off, but when we do, we take the time to catch up with our families and loved ones. I’m a dad, and I have two little kids. So we go on crazy road trips and spend a lot of time traveling.