“We're expecting this to be Rock the Desert's best talent search ever,” said Mike Goeke, the festival's former executive director. According to officials with the RTD organization, Goeke recently stepped down as director. “This year RTD is teaming up with other major festivals in the nationwide Christian Festival Association to present a national search competition.
“Regional competitions will be taking place at festivals around the U.S., including Rock the Desert. RTD's competition will be conducted entirely online and costs only $50 to enter. The first place winner of the RTD Talent Search 2008 will have the opportunity to perform on the festival's main stage Saturday, Aug. 9. In addition, the first place winner will also be invited to perform at the national finals in Nashville, Tenn.”
Goeke said the winner of the national finals will receive a recording contract with Provident Label Group, home of Reunion Records and Essential Records.
“This could be someone's big break,” said Goeke, “and we're excited to see the talent offered through this competition.”
As if the grand prize weren't incentive enough for local bands, Goeke said the winners will share the stage with some of the hottest names in Christian music.
“We've confirmed Switchfoot, The Newsboys, Disciple, Red, Paul Wright and Group 1 Crew for the concert,” said Goeke. “The Newsboys will be headlining the show on Aug. 8, and Switchfoot will be headlining Aug. 9. They've been a very versatile band and have been a best selling band on both the secular and Christian charts. We also have Hawk Nelson, Family Force Five, Disciple, Needtobreathe and several other groups. In addition, Christian illusionist Brock Gill and the Outcast BMX Bike Expo will be sharing the gospel.”
Tickets for the two-day concert are $20 and can be purchased online at HYPERLINK "http://www.rockthedesert.com/"www.rockthedesert.com or by calling the RTD office at (432) 697-4548.
Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
