It is not often that so many heroes of the punk-rock scene take the stage in the same night, but Saturday night will be one of those rare instances. Any fan of punk rock will be there and anyone who knows nothing about punk rock should consider the Nov. 17 show at Cox Arena a crash course in punk-rock history.

Forty years of combined experience takes the stage as Pennywise, Face to Face, No Use For a Name, and Guttermouth all rock the same roof on the same night.

Punk rock has enjoyed a strange status level for the past 15 years. It has never ruled the airwaves, but at the same time it has never gone away. While the biggest alternative rock bands come and go amidst drug addiction and record contract quarrels, it seems the very biggest names in punk rock now are the same as they were a decade ago.

What is it that gives punk-rock music, and punk-rock bands in particular, such staying power among those who live outside of the boundaries of the popular media? These bands believe in the music and so do their fans. Such devotion is difficult to understand for those who have never heard the music or stood in the middle of a pit only to be bloodied by someone who holds the idea of the music in the same high regard.

Aggression, sweat, blood and confusion — a true punk-rock band provides a little of all of these and for the past decade, none has done so better than Pennywise. You need not look far to understand why these guys are still around.

“”Our music exists solely to inspire people,”” states lead singer of Pennywise Jim Lindberg. “”We want people to hear our music and feel empowered by it.””

Five different sounds, one simple philosophy: Punk rock is power. Saturday promises to bring to the stage everything that has made punk rock what it is. Whether one attends to be reminded or learn for the first time, the show should be unforgettable.