Event

Fidlar Celebrates Holidays with a Live Christmas Bash in the Desert

Published December 4, 2023

The Los Angeles-based rock group Fidlar is bringing festive cheer to the desert this holiday season with a Christmas party that promises to be both intimate and vivacious. Renowned for their punk and grunge tunes, Fidlar members Zac Carper and Brandon Schwartzel have turned their apartment's post-Thanksgiving decoration tradition into an annual musical extravaganza known as "FIDmas." This year's celebration is set to take place at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown on Friday, Dec. 15. Fans can expect the venue to sparkle with holiday decor, as the group delivers acoustic renditions, Christmas numbers, and unreleased tracks that have previously only been heard on YouTube.

A Festive Tradition Turned Musical Party

FIDLAR's Zac Carper credits Schwartzel's Christmas spirit as the impetus behind their yuletide show, noting that what began as a joke has now blossomed into a cherished event complete with seasonal ornamentation. Carper portrayed Schwartzel's dedication to creating a Christmassy atmosphere wherever they perform. Their approach to keeping the holiday show small initially has allowed them to grow the tradition authentically.

Music by the Beach and New Endeavors

Beyond the holiday cheer, Fidlar is recognized for their distinctive approach to music-making. With their three full-length albums, the self-titled debut, "Too," and "Almost Free," they have explored a range of genres and feelings, from raucous party anthems to ruminations on the darker sides of excess and societal dissatisfaction. Carper acknowledges that their evolving sound meets varied reactions, but remains committed to crafting music that is true to his vision and resonates on a deeper, more personal level.

After stepping back from album releases to focus on touring and the business side of music, Carper, now embracing sobriety, finds himself drawn back to the creative aspects of songwriting. He's inspired by the example of artists like Alex G, who demonstrate how to produce music consistently. This return to foundational practices informs Fidlar's recent work, as they aim to capture the intensity of their live performances in their recordings.

Looking Forward to More Live Shows

The live concert experience remains central to Fidlar, with Carper expressing how the energy of their early house shows still informs their on-stage dynamics, and audiences around the world respond enthusiastically to their distinctive blend of surf, garage punk, and heavy music. Amid sprinkles of new singles, the band contemplates another full-length album but is mainly eager to return to playing live and connecting with fans—affectionately dubbed "FIDiots"—in dynamic and engaging shows.

FIDmas at Pappy & Harriet's looks to set the bar, combining their signature rock edge with the warmth of the festive season—presenting an opportunity for their fans to see another side of Fidlar while still enjoying the live energy the band is known for. Tickets for the holiday event are set at $50.99, with the members also planning to perform alongside Oliver Tree at the Hollywood Palladium, with tickets for that event starting at $59.95.

Christmas, concert, acoustic