FRAMINGHAM -- Catholic youth from around the area will gather Aug. 11 for the 7th annual Proud 2B Catholic Music Festival on the grounds of the Marist House Retreat Center. This year’s theme will be “Power 2B Faithful.”

According to Peter Campbell, the founder of Campbell Concerts -- the organization that organizes the Proud 2B Catholic Music Festival-- well-known Christian musicians such as Martin Doman, of Domini Ministries, Catholic rap artist Righteous B, and Father Stan Fortuna will entertain participants throughout the daylong event. Catholic rap star Zealous is scheduled to serve as the master of ceremonies.

In addition to the musical element of the festival, Campbell noted that participants will have a chance to listen to a variety of speakers, such as former Los Angeles Police Officer and Kickboxing Champion turned Catholic lay evangelist speaker Jesse Romero and Father Darin Colarusso, a newly ordained priest who was once a fighter pilot.

Joining the speakers will be professional ventriloquist and former Catholic youth minister, Al Getler, as well as recent convert, Rob Evans, also known as “The Donut Man,” who will provide a short family concert in the breakout auditorium.

As with past Proud 2B Catholic Music Festivals, eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available throughout the day. An open-air Mass will be celebrated by Father Stan Fortuna at 5:30 pm.

In addition, Holy Cross Family Ministries will be hosting the “Interactive & Learning Tent” for children. The tent will feature Catholic computer activities, free guitar lessons as well as a make-your-own rosary prayer books.

Food and product vendors will also offer a variety of food for purchase on-site. In addition, the festival will once again host a large inflated games section, provided by AllAboutFun.us, for an additional fee.

The idea of creating a Catholic concert first came to Campbell just before World Youth Day in 2000, because he wanted to find a fun way to reach out to young Catholics. Although at first he was uncertain if the idea would take root, he founded Campbell Concerts and one year later, the first Proud 2B Catholic Music Festival became a reality.

Nearly 500 people attended the first concert, but each year the concert has gained popularity. This year, Campbell hopes 1,800 young people will participate in the music festival.

The concerts have also expanded to several other cities. Currently, Campbell works full-time at Campbell Concerts, thanks to a salary sponsorship by The Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, helping to coordinate similar concerts in Louisiana, Orlando, Houston and Toronto, Canada.

However, Campbell operates on a shoestring budget.

“With the need to establish new events and to cover up-front costs -- I am still in severe need of funding to cover initial deposits and associated costs for each event,” he explained, noting that each concert’s costs are “covered by those who attend and contribute financially.”

“We are desperately seeking benefactors to help allow new events to be established and to help stabilize Proud 2B Catholic, the organization, for years to come,” he added.

Admission to the daylong event is $32 for individual tickets. This year, there is a family rate of $50 for two adults and their children ages 12 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online or by mail through Aug. 3. After that date, all tickets must be purchased at the entrance to the festival.

For more information on the Proud 2B Music Festival, go to www.Proud2BCatholic.com.