David Pfanstiel still calls Cape Girardeau his "home," but he doesn't spend much time here.

Instead, the 20-year-old Pfanstiel spends most of the year in the studio in New Zealand or touring the United States and Europe behind the drums for inspirational alt-rockers Red Rain. This Friday he'll make a return to Cape Girardeau when the band plays two free concerts on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Pfanstiel joined the band in May 2004 after Red Rain's former drummer left and has since recorded two albums with the New Zealand rockers. Red Rain's members are up front about their Christian orientation, but Pfanstiel says they're not a "Christian" band. Instead, the band sees its music as uplifting, taking inspiration from sources like U2, Coldplay and Switchfoot.

"We just want to give people a message of hope, that there's happiness outside of drugs," Pfanstiel said Tuesday afternoon before a gig in Detroit. "You don't have to live a life of addiction and pain. Life is meant to be enjoyed.

"There are a lot of bands out today with lyrics that are very depressing, the message they bring isn't the most uplifting," he said. "We want to create an atmosphere of peace and joy."

Pfanstiel hooked up with Red Rain through contacts at his church here in Cape Girardeau and graduated high school from Cape Central two weeks early to join the band in New Zealand. Even though he now spends most of his time across the globe from Cape Girardeau, Pfanstiel said the natural beauty of New Zealand helps to relieve the homesickness.

"I can't explain how beautiful it is," Pfanstiel said. "It's absolutely breathtaking."

Pfanstiel knows he's living a dream that many musicians would love to experience and is grateful for the opportunity.

"I had a lot of jealous remarks from my friends," Pfanstiel said.

And he plans to stick with Red Rain for the long term.

"I enjoy being around my band. They've become like brothers to me," Pfanstiel said. "I could definitely see this as something I do for another five years."

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

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Want to go?

* What: Red Rain in concert

* When: noon and 7 p.m. Friday

* Where: Terraces and University Center Ballroom on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University

* Info: www.redrainband.com