Pictured: Pocono-based hardcore band Kids.

We truly hit the Underground in a big way on Friday night, heading to St. Bernard’s in South Bethlehem for the Double Decker/Square of Opposition Records Anniversary Prefest.

Friday night’s preview of this weekend’s Double Decker/Square of Opposition Anniversary Fest featured eight bands from various genres, including punk, hardcore, post-hardcore, and indie. The lineup included (in order of appearance): Yankee Bluff, Spill, Casual, Florence & Libby, Pain Strikes, Raw, Kids, and Carpenter Ant. The all-ages show also served as a fundraiser for Valley Youth House, which provides shelter for vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth.

Indie music supporters kept St.Bernard’s in Bethlehem packed all night long.

Throughout the night, there was a palpable sense of community throughout the packed room. Music fans from all walks of life came through to support a worthy cause and kick off a weekend of celebration. Bands stayed to support other bands long after their sets were complete, and all those in attendance seemed to hang on every impassioned riff and vocal, regardless of who was performing.

That sense of community is sure to build on Saturday and Sunday. The festival officially kicks off at 3:30 p.m. today, moving to Allentown’s Merchant Square Mall for the remainder of the weekend with 27 performers and more than 20 vendors in all. Saturday night headliners include Iron Chic and Snowing, while Sunday’s lineup features Slingshot Dakota, Plow United, and Pissed Jeans.

Tickets begin at $20 for each individual day, with weekend packages available. Get yours at this link.