The community is invited to enjoy a summer evening of music and praise during MagniFest, an event to be held at St. Mary of Providence Center, 227 Isabella Road, Elverson, on Saturday, Aug. 13, from noon to 10 p.m. The event will feature ongoing live musical performances, food and beverages, an art show and an opportunity to purchase religious merchandise from vendors. Mass, officiated by the Rev. Steve DeLacy, will be celebrated outdoors at 5 p.m.

Performers at MagniFest will include Three and One, Gus deSimone, the duo of Hanna Mangiovillano and Pat Briley, Melissa Goldhorn, Mustard Seed and The Coppa Sisters.

All performances will take place outdoors. "We (will) set up a stage behind the Dalton Retreat House, which is located on the north side of the campus," noted event organizer Beth Riordan. "One will perform right after the other, but there will be a little transition time in between while they set up." Attendees should bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

Food will be served in a cafe, located across from the Dalton Retreat House.

Vendors will be located in the upper parking lot. A fee will be required to participate as a vendor, and setup will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Another highlight of the day will be a Visual Arts Showcase, during which local artists are invited to display anything from sculpture and jewelry to photographs and paintings. "Because it's a celebration of music, art and beauty, we wanted to encourage local visual artists who don't perform on stage but have (an artistic) talent that they like to share," said Riordan. "It will be a little outside art gallery."

The MagniFest, which debuted last summer as a three-day event, is named to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary, is the prayer of praise that Mary prayed when visiting her cousin Elizabeth. The timing of the festival is based on the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption on Aug. 15, which marks Mary's ascension into heaven.

"Last spring when we met to pray and discern what this event was going to be, we wanted it to me something connected to the Blessed Mother for her Feast Day on Aug. 15," Riordan explained. "Sister Brenda (the site director) was thinking about the Magnificat that Mary prays in the Gospel of Luke. Sister Brenda (suggested combining the words) Magnificat and fest."

"We wanted it to be something connected to (Mary), and it worked out beautifully because it is a festival of praise," she continued. "There is lots of music from different genres, but it's all to give glory to God through our talent."

Tickets will be required to attend the event. Tickets purchased by Wednesday, Aug. 10 will be discounted. The registration deadline for art show participants and vendors is also Aug. 10.

For more information about the event, to purchase tickets or to register as a vendor or artist, visit http://www.stmaryprov.org/magnifest. Biographies of the musical performers can also be found on the aforementioned website. Those with questions may email magnifest@stmaryprov.org.

More details about St. Mary of Providence Center and MagniFest are available by searching for "St. Mary of Providence Center" on Facebook.