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GET READY FOR THE AWAKENING FROM SWITCHFOOT TO THIRD DAY, TWO OF THE BIGGEST CHRISTIAN ROCK FESTIVALS IN THE COUNTRY COME TO VIRGINIA

September 4, 2008 12:40 am

CHRISTIAN MUSIC fans will want to circle the weekend of Sept. 13-14 on their calendars and clear their schedules.

Awakening Music Festival at Bull Run Special Events Center on Sept. 13--and The Music Builds Tour at Nissan Pavilion on Sept. 14--will bring some of the biggest names in Christian music to the area.

The fifth annual "Awakening Fest" will be headlined this year by the Newsboys. When the music starts, the sounds of Britt Nicole, Echoing Angels, Matthew West and Skillet will carry through the festival area.

A wide range of activities for all ages begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs through 6:30 p.m., including rock climbing walls, jousting, moon bounce and petting zoo.

Awakening Fest began in 2003, after a few friends read Rick Warren's "The Purpose-Driven Life." They decided to do something to change the community. The festival has grown exponentially over the past few years.

The second night, The Music Builds Tour will bring Third Day, Switchfoot and Jars of Clay to Nissan Pavilion.

While it is not unusual for Christian concerts to include a plea for child sponsorships or donations to some cause, Switchfoot's Jon Foreman says this is a bit different.

In promotional material for the tour, Foreman says that Habitat for Humanity provides a way for all fans to give back to the community. Even those who don't have money can give of themselves to a Habitat building project.

A dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to Habitat for Humanity as well. The tour is part of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity. The organization, founded by screenwriter Randall Wallace, is an entertainment industry partnership to support Habitat's goal of eliminating substandard housing.

Annette Jones: 540/368-5046
Email: abjones@freelancestar.com