Frank Bombaci, Jr. is everything but an archetypal college student. Or, is he the new archetypal student? Attends classes. Partcipates in activities on campus. Hangs out with friends. Goes to parties, studies. Sleeps (maybe). And, listens to music – a lot of music.

His last name—shortened to “Bomb” and converted into an acronym that stands for “Bring Our Music Back”—lends itself nicely to the name of a multi-stage music festival, B.O.M.B. Fest, created by Frank and designed to highlight the pure energy of live music.

Bombaci’s dream is for music lovers of all types to come together and appreciate the raw and original bits of music that are slowly seeping away from the mainstream music industry.

We caught up with the Loyola University freshman to find out exactly what it’s been like during a year of interesting changes as he takes his music outside the confines of his dorm room.

I: The concept behind this all-day music event is ingenious – well, at least for someone your age. What’s behind it?
F: It’s a vision. A dream. Whatever you want to call it. Take a handful of nationally known underground artists and pair them with some local music heroes to celebrate music in its true form. It’s an amazing experience. Music has become so corporate. I’m taking a stand for true art, and, giving back to the community at the same time.

I: Is that what your tagline, Music with Purpose is all about?
F: Music has always brought communities together. The positive energy that music creates is amazing. Officially, we’re all about enhancing life and healing through music. We donate proceeds to local and national non-profits who fit out mission. Music is meant to be heard – and seen. It’s important to remember why people come to hear good music, especially as festivals become more of a marketing playground for companies. This is just good karma – we’re giving back what we get – dynamic bands; great sound and amazing fans.

I: We get that you’re passionate about music. Where did this passion come from?
F: I was born into it. My parents listened to all kinds of music. I used to go through my dad’s vinyl. I loved the album covers. I went to my first concert when I was 12 and I still love the experience of a live show. It was only natural for me to gravitate toward music.

I: What do you call yourself? Festival evangelist? Break-out band recruiter?
F: I don't like the word promoter. I do like being known as a producer, creator, organizer and an idea man.

I: And, what does your job entail?
F: I head up the full bill for the festival. That includes a calling for and selection of all the festival talent, local and national. I also handle festival operations.

I: How do you find new talent?
F: Recently, local bands have been contacting me through Myspace. For national, we use a middle agency and just hooked up with a booking guy down here (NOLA) who books directly at the venue.

I: Describe the vibe at last year’s B.O.M.B. FEST Connecticut?
F: It was great. The festival itself was executed perfectly and although it rained, nothing dampened the crowd’s energy. The loyal fans hung in and had a great time. I also loved the nice fluid movement from one act to the next.

I: How will the CT B.O.M.B. FEST be different this year?
F: More stages, more local acts, and a much stronger national line up.

I: You’re planning festivals in CT and NOLA. How will they differ?
F: NOLA has a totally different vibe than Connecticut. You could say music has its roots here. Jazz, blues, rock. The legends of music found their way from the south to the world and so many new artists are following in their footsteps right here. It’s a very cool place to be involved in music. We’re sensitive to the local scene, so the festival actually defines the audience, keeping the music true to its origin.

I: What image do you think the festival conveys?
F: An outrageously positive vibe with an impressive variety of music.

I: Last year, you enlisted the help of your father, Frank Bombaci, Sr. to secure national acts and get corporate sponsors. What’s it like working with your dad?
F: I have always wanted to work with my dad. It’s great. I couldn’t ask for more support.

I: Now that we can flex our marketing muscles even more with the internet, how do you see B.O.M.B. FESTS going totally viral?
F: The possibilities are endless. We’re going to bust out on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and some music-only sites. We’ve got street teams who will also be rockin’ it out on foot and on-line.

I: Did you ever imagine that you’d be where you are now?
F: Yes!

I: What do kids who attend B.O.M.B. FEST have an appetite for, musically speaking?
F: This isn’t just about kids needing something to do. Variety is key. We encourage acts from all genres of music – reggae, jazz, classical. You know we had an orchestra open the festival last year – it’s not just about rock and roll. People have different tastes and we try to accommodate them as best we can. It’s really about youth, music, art and the spirit of growing talent.

I: You’re still in school. How do you manage to be as involved as you are in producing the festivals?
F: A lot of emails, phone calls and a great support team at Bring Our Music Back, Inc.

I: What makes you uniquely qualified to work on B.O.M.B. FEST?
F: I'm just a creative guy who loves music.

I: What’s your grand plan? How big can this thing get?
F: Big. I want to spread B.O.M.B. FESTS to different cities with each festival taking on a very specific vibe to that area. I want to be known for supporting healing through music wherever we go. For me, B.O.M.B. FESTS are the perfect musical vehicle for supporting healing through music wherever we go.