Rock the Desert: ‘Ignite'

A blaze is set to burst between Odessa and Midland - but it won't be defying any county burn bans.

This year's "Rock the Desert" - themed "Ignite" - is living up to its annual legacy by bringing big-name bands to create a youth-friendly environment in light of Jesus Christ.

"We really want to reach out to the younger generations with an environment they're comfortable being in," Allison Brown, Rock the Desert office administrator, said.

"They can be in their own age group and feel in their element with people they can relate to," she said. "They feel it's a safe place, and it's somewhere they can be themselves and be surrounded by people like them."

And the bands Rock the Desert brings do just that, Brown said.

"We bring people in who are popular and what the kids listen to so that the crowd can relate," she said.

Rock the Desert also helps in the evangelical mission.

"There have been several stories where, surprisingly, the kids lead their parents to Christ," she said. "It's something where the parents wouldn't go, but are impacted by their child's experience."  

THE BASICS

>> What: Rock the Desert 2008: ‘Ignite.'

>> When: 3 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Aug. 9.

>> Where: Rock the Desert Encampment, 2000 N. FM 1788

>> How much: $20

>> Where to buy tickets: Odessa and Midland Chick-fil-A's, Odessa Family Christian Store, Mardel Christian Book Store, Ticket Servant Call Center 800-734-4500.

SOME OF THE BANDS:

>> Switchfoot.

>> Newsboys.

>> Red.

>> Paul Wright.

>> Family Force 5.

>> Hawk Nelson.