SHICKSHINNY — A group of musicians from the southern tier of Luzerne County have organized a night of music that not only rocks but carries with it an important message of unity and consideration for others.
Par Glass House presents its annual holiday show beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at 740 Ridge Rd. The celebratory night of music and camaraderie features acts from across the genre spectrum including Condition Oakland, Churches & Trains, Tedd Hazard, Matthew W. Charles, Centralia Moving Co. and The Greater Victory.
The show is open to the public and admission is free, although organizers are accepting donations to compensate participating artists.
Par Glass House founder and The Greater Victory frontman Chris Castillo said the music venue, which is behind his home, was founded out of necessity.
“We have a garage in the backyard of our house, and a few years ago we converted it to a functioning music venue,” Castillo said. “I used to book elsewhere, and when I couldn’t book at that spot anymore, I changed up our barn a bit.”
Castillo said music fans tend to show up and expect bands to be playing in a living room, and the converted garage/barn usually surprises them.
The organizer said holiday shows have been held at the venue over the last two years, and this year, friend and musical colleague Tyler Troutman from Condition Oakland helped arrange the event.
“I love Tyler and all those guys from Condition Oakland,” Castillo said. “We have a good time, and this year, we’re doing it all acoustic. It’ll be stripped down and raw.”
Troutman said the holiday show offers music fans a night to relax during a hectic time of year.
“This is one of the nights you can let go and really focus on what the holidays are about, friends and family,” Troutman said.
The Greater Victory brings an alternative rock sound to the show. Cody Novitski of Kingston emo band Black Diamond performs as Centralia Moving Co. Castillo describes Churches & Trains as acoustic folk music, Condition Oakland as hardcore folk-punk and Matthew W. Charles as a singer-songwriter. Hazard, guitar player for Condition Oakland, also plays a solo folk-punk set.
The open show invites all ages.
“I encourage anyone who loves local music to show up,” Castillo said. “Especially around the holidays, it’s great to come together and enjoy music.”
Castillo explained that donations are suggested to cover expenses for touring bands.
“Matthew W. Charles is not exactly from our area,” Castillo said of the Philadelphia-based musician.
One statement stands out in the press release generated by Par Glass House for the holiday show: “No racism. No sexism. No homophobia or otherwise small-minded behavior will be tolerated.”
Castillo said the statement is one Troutman has been attaching to his show promotions, and he agrees with the sentiment.
“Par Glass is a safe space, a place where you don’t have to be afraid of the people around you,” Troutman said. “I do my best with whatever show I’m a part of to make sure people can forget about the problems of the outside world and live in the moment.”