Ignite: Red

Whether you plan to vote blue or red this autumn makes no matter this weekend.

Rock the Desert, this weekend's two-day Christian rock music festival, hits the sands today near the Midland International Airport.

Come, take a look with us at who's playing at this year's festival.

We'll be posting the other two band profiles today, leading up to the RTD kickoff at 3 p.m.

RED

Red brings a unique blend of roiling guitars, epic string arrangements, strong melodies and passionate vocals to its music while painting a picture of redemption in the midst of brokenness.

According to lead vocalist Mike Barnes, Red stands for: passion, pain but ultimately, redemption.

The five-member band  (Barnes on lead vocals, Anthony Armstrong on guitar, Randy Armstrong on bass and piano, Jasen Rauch on guitar and Hayden Lamb on drums) communicates to listeners that they're not alone in their struggles.

WANT TO GO?

>> "Ignite," Rock the Desert 2008, is Aug. 8-9 at the RTD Encampment, 2000 N. FM 1788 near the Midland International Airport.

>> Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at Odessa Family Christian Store, Odessa and Midland Chick-fil-A stores, Mardel Christian Books in Midland or online at www.rockthedesert.com.

>> Call 800-731-4500

WHO'S PLAYING?

FRIDAY

Gates open at 3 p.m.

>> 4:15 p.m. Needtobreathe.

>> 5:15 p.m. Paul Wright.

>> 6 p.m. Tyler Dodds.

>> 6:30 p.m. Group 1 Crew.

>> 7 p.m. The Wedding.

>> 8 p.m. Family Force 5.

>> 9:15 p.m. Brock Gill.

>> 10:30 p.m. Newsboys.

SATURDAY

Gates open at 10 a.m.

>> 1:25 p.m. Talent search winner.

>> 2 p.m. The Wedding.

>> 2:30 p.m. Brock Gill.

>> 3 p.m. Day of Fire.

>> 4 p.m. Outcast BMX.

>> 4:15 p.m. Jimmy Needham.

>> 5 p.m. Paul Wright.

>> 5:30 p.m. Disciple.

>> 6:30 p.m. Needtobreathe.

>> 7 p.m. Hawk Nelson.

>> 8:30 p.m. Red.

>> 10 p.m. Switchfoot.

Stay tuned to oaoa.com for more on the acts coming to this year's Rock the Desert: Ignite 2008.