Purple Door will feature some of the hottest current artists on Main Stage, including Emery, Skillet, Sherwood, Disciple,and Red, Pennsylvania natives who are taking a break from their summer tour with Seether to play Purple Door. The HM Stage will feature heavier rock bands such as August Burns Red, Haste The Day, The Showdown, and Oh Sleeper. The Gallery Stage, highlighting the more eclectic artists, will host Seabird , Dennison Witmer, who is playing at his 10th Purple Door–the most any artist has played, and accomplished female harpist, Timbre.

"We're really excited about the Festival events this year," exclaims Purple Door Director, Chris Strayer. "Purple Door was started to show that creativity does have a place in the Church. We want the fest to encourage the artists as well as the thousands who attend. This is why having an art gallery and diverse performers like Foxhole, Timbre and Denison Witmer are as much a priority for us as immensely popular bands like Red or Haste The Day.”

In addition to the exciting band lineup, Purple Door wants to tastefully share the gospel of Jesus Christ by inviting thoughtful communicators to speak on main stage. Purple Door 2008 will host speakers Bob Lenz, who has been speaking to youth across the nation for 20 years, and Kurt Weaver, co-founder of Purple Door and pastor.

“Pastor Kurt Weaver's dedication and servant attitude has been an inspiration to all of us since Purple Door was a nameless bunch of ideas scribbled in my old spiral notebook,” explains Timothy Eddings, festival cofounder. “This festival exists because of Kurt’s leadership and tireless persistence in those early years. I'm pretty excited that my old friend, who has worked 5,000 plus hours behind the scenes making Purple Door happen, is now getting to share his heart on the main stage. He's a great choice to speak at Purple Door because of how much he sincerely cares about both the fans and the artists who attend this fest.”

In keeping with Festival tradition, Purple Door will also host the Art Gallery, with hopes of inspiring artists to use their gifts of creativity to reflect their spiritual worldview. Emerging artists can submit their paintings, photography, sculptures and other art that shows attention to concept and craftsmanship to be showcased in this juried art show. Artwork will be judged by prominent area artists, whose work will also be featured in the Art Gallery.

With a commitment to cultivating new talent, Purple Door will give two independent bands the opportunity to perform as part of the New Artist Showcase. Up and coming bands can submit a demo to be considered for the New Artist Showcase and the two winners will perform the Friday night of the festival at the Gallery Stage. Demos will only be accepted in the form of an electronic press kit, which can be submitted online at www.sonicbids.com/purpledoor by the July 25th deadline.

Tickets for the Purple Door Festival can be purchased online at iTickets.com for $39.50 by August 10th, or $45.00 at the gates.

For more information about Purple Door, the Art Gallery or the New Artist Showcase, and for a complete listing of artists performing at the Festival, please visit www.purpledoor.com and www.myspace.com/purpledoorfestival.

 

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