The 13th annual Vans Warped Tour came crashing into the Southwest on Saturday, July 14 at the NMSU Intramural Field in Las Cruces. An assortment of bands, skateboarders and luchadores wowed a crowd of more than 10,000. Many in attendance–mostly teenagers–were there to see bands like Bad Religion, New Found Glory and Red Jump Suit Apparatus that can often be heard on the radio or seen on MTV. Yet it was the performances by lesser-known bands who performed on the smaller surrounding stages that were perhaps the most appealing.

One group that stood out from the rest was the band Evaline from Southern California, as they brought what was likely the most melodic sound to the tour. With a laid-back style, the band exhibits both a passion for their music and an energetic sense of humor.

Christian Lewis, guitar player with the band said, “MySpace has helped, but a lot of our exposure has been due to word of mouth.”

Despite being so young, the band has been together for five years and displays a mature sense of discipline in their music and an air of professionalism despite their off-stage antics.

Band member Steven Pedersen stated the band’s ethos.

“We write music that we love with no gimmicks,” Pedersen said. “Hopefully our music reaches people in a way that affects them in a meaningful way.”

Synonymous with punk, the Warped Tour has grown in strength and diversity over the past 13 years. Bringing hip-hop, old school and new school punk, emo and other styles of music; the festival introduces audiences who may never have given alternative music a second thought.

“This year was a lot better than last year because there is a lot more diversity with the bands that are playing,” said Tyler Sullivan, 17, who came primarily to see the band Killswitch.

Tour veterans Authority Zero were at home in the heat and were greeted by fans as they performed their set list. Hammering out tunes like “No Regrets” and “Find your way,” the band had something to say in the way only true punk rock can: loud, fast and aggressive. Based in Arizona, the group travels through El Paso and Las Cruces on a regular basis.

“We love this area. We try to come through here as much as possible because El Paso and Las Cruces love to party,” Band member Bill Marks said.

“The tour and the crowd are like one big family,” Tony, a member of The Vincent Black Shadow said. “Everyone takes care of each other. This experience has been awesome.”

Newcomers to the tour, The Fabulous Rudies, have quickly earned a reputation as great performers, and excellent barbequers.

Vocalist Tom Voris said every band has a job to do while on tour–some help erect the stage, some unpack equipment. The Fabulous Rudies are in charge of the after- party.

“We have earned a reputation for serving good food,” said Voris. The ska band from Vancouver, Canada infuses music styles from Bad Brains and No Doubt that send crowds into a frenzy.

Although the music will always be the central theme to the Warped Tour, the various booths that filled the field and provided shade for staff and fans alike should also be noted.

The reverse daycare was filled with grumpy and bored parents, and numerous booths providing information on alternative fuels, pro-vegan lifestyles and a plethora of semi-political and socially responsible issues dotted the merchandise area. While numerous concertgoers were treated for heat exhaustion, there were no serious injuries reported.

As crowds braved 100-plus temperatures to listen to their favorite bands, buy merchandise, watch skateboarding demonstrations and cheer for luchadores, it was clear that the Warped Tour is not your average festival.

One attendee said, “I was frisked by security, I got spit in my face, it was hot and I threw up. I had a lot of fun.”