Summer keeps lots of Catholic artists busy

Summer of 2008 is proving to be one of the busiest concert seasons in recent memory for many Catholic artists. From Sydney, Australia where World Youth Day will draw millions of young people together to worship and praise God in song, to Quebec, Canada where the International Eucharistic Congress has just drawn tens of thousands to ponder the mysteries of the Eucharist, to states all throughout the USA, Catholic artists are sharing the Gospel though concerts, festivals and summer camps.

Held the third week of June, the International Eucharistic Congress proved to be a tremendous blessing to thousands in the historic and beautiful city of Quebec. Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, numerous Catholic artists performed to crowds during the Catholic Music Festival. Artists included Diane Tarantino, Mark Mallett, Bob Halligan, Jr., Choeur et Christ, Atoning Stone, Takillakkta, Janielle, Donald Gagnon, Daniel Thibeault, David McDonald, Guylain Roussel, In Ipsa, Église Sans Frontières and Tuesday Bloom.

The much anticipated World Youth Day is coming up July 15-20 in Sydney, Australia. Among the featured artists are Fr. Stan Fortuna, John Angotti, Jorge Rivera, Noelle Garcia, native Rob Galea and Brian Walker.

Several large events are being sponsored by Proud2BCatholic and the La Salette Shrine, with concerts in Sulphur, LA and Framingham, MA. Featured are Tony Melendez, Martin Doman, Kelly Pease, Zealous, D-Major and Sammy Blaze. The recent winning band of the first NH Battle of the Bands, Straggler's Plea, are also scheduled to perform.

The La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, MA is also sponsoring their annual Steubenville East conferences for high schoolers. Speaker/performers include Righteous B, Sean Forrest, Ben Walther and Kelly Pease.

Another lucky band , the Lee Roussler Band, won a battle of the bands competition for the privilege of performing at The Fest, taking place in Northeast Ohio on August 3rd. Matt Maher is also scheduled to perform along with other bands.

Kyle Heimann and Daniel Harms, aka Popple, are spreading the Gospel through their music in a different way, through the Catholic Heart Work Camps. These summer camps serve young people in various parts of the United States.

These are just some of the many events taking place this summer. Check GrapeVine's Concert Listings page for dates, places and more information on these and other summer events.
© Copyright 2008 GrapeVine. Permission to copy or reprint this story must be obtained by writing to susan@gvonline.net. Used by permission.