An eclectic group of punk rockers will play a free show at 7 tonight in East Halls' Findlay Commons, as Northstar, Letterbox, A Thorn for Every Heart and 4 foot 4 bring their various sounds to State College.

While each band embodies its own style, they all share a love of playing solid punk and rocking hard with their audiences.

"When people sing along, we really get into it," Northstar guitarist Nick Torres said. "That's when we really start rocking."

Hailing from Alabama, Northstar began touring in 2000 and has been on the road ever since. The band members are currently promoting the release of their newest album, Pollyanna, which comes out Tuesday. Pollyanna really embodies the band's true sound, Torres said.

"It's just rock, intelligent rock maybe," he said. "On our new CD, we've done a lot more studio stuff, so I think it's really a good sound."

Chris Kung (freshman-economics) has wanted to see Northstar play at Penn State for some time, so he decided to do something about it by organizing the show.

"They're just a great instrumental band," Kung said. "It's not the typical punk you hear ... They're really fresh -- it's music everyone will enjoy."

Joining Northstar will be Letterbox, a band that has been together for seven years and was formed by Lou Barbiere and his twin brother Frank. Letterbox is based out of New Jersey and has been playing shows there and in surrounding states for years.

Letterbox is currently promoting the recent release of its newest EP, Your Worst Revenge -- available at www.smartpunk.com -- and is excited about its newest music and the chance to begin touring extensively in the future.

"We're really just writing what we like right now," bassist Lou Barbiere said. "For us, getting the crowd involved is awesome. If they're not having a good time, we're not having a good time."

Filling out the bill are A Thorn for Every Heart and 4 foot 4. A Thorn for Every Heart has recently signed with Kickball/Interscope records and is currently on an extensive tour.

The show is a good chance for local punk fans to enjoy a night of solid music and rising bands with a serious emphasis on playing fun, energetic music, Barbiere said.

"People should check us out if they're looking for something new and fun," he said. "We're going to have a really good time."