Kris Alive Music Fest to benefit local musician
Guitas, 50, of Cressona, was involved in a devastating car accident in early March that left him severely injured. While driving to work one morning on Route 183, he was momentarily blinded by the sun, and he got into a three-car crash.
While Guitas has come a long way and is now receiving outpatient rehabilitation treatment, he's currently unable to work and will need assistance with medical costs, according to his good friend, Ed Burke.
Thankfully, a coalition of local musicians have joined together to give their friend a boost. The Kris Alive Music Fest, scheduled for June 29, is a benefit event at the Southside Grill intended to help Guitas through his recovery. Slated for noon to 10 p.m., it will feature 10 local musical acts, including Gleasons Drift, the Zenith, the Boys Upstairs, and Eric and Michelle from the rock band Sapphire.
The Southside Grill is located on Fair Road in Summit Station, pictured Thursday, June 12, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
Guitas has performed with the local band Dead Leaves. As its lead singer and rhythm guitarist, he and his bandmates would often perform at events for worthy causes, such as benefits for fire victims, according to Burke.
Burke, a local drummer, has known Guitas for a long time through their involvement in the local musical circuit, and he has always admired Guitas' generous efforts for the community. In light of the accident, he and Guitas' best friend, Mike Gustitus, brainstormed ways to support their friend. That's how the two came up with the idea of Kris Alive. Inspired by the album 'Alive' by Kiss, one of Guitas' favorite bands, the name of the event bespeaks Guitas' powerful will to live and to move forward, as forcefully as the invigorating energy of Kiss' best music.
After running it by their local musical friends and connections, the two co-organizers were heartened by the number of people interested in performing for the event.
Burke said D.G. Yuengling & Son has sponsored banners, posters and promotional items for the event.
Each band will perform an approximately 40-minute set at the Southside Grill.
While the event is free, attendees are welcome to donate to the cause throughout the day.
Those who make donations of a certain amount will be eligible for a cooler giveaway from Yuengling, Burke said.
Given the all-star lineup and the positive response from the community, Burke is 'pretty confident' Kris Alive will be a success.
'Wish it wouldn't have happened to him, but it's nice to see the response and all the people who wanted to jump in,' Burke said. 'The support has been overwhelming.'
The schedule for Kris Alive is as follows:
The Zenith: 12 p.m.Eric and Michelle: 1 p.m.Gleasons Drift: 2 p.m.Eyes of 8: 3 p.m.Jeremy Edge: 4 p.m.After Dark: 5 p.m.Adrenalyn: 6 p.m.Spine Belt: 7 p.m.Light Up The Moon: 8 p.m.The Boys Upstairs: 9 p.m.
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