2ND Street Soundcheck Music Festival to Unify Austinites and Spark Local-to-Global Change

 The 2ND Street District joins forces with nonprofits Whole Planet Foundation and Comfort the Children International to host free day of music, shopping, food, fun and philanthropy – Presented by Stonyfield Organic

Austin, Texas (May 3, 2012) – The 2ND Street District and nonprofits Whole Planet Foundation and Comfort The Children International (CTC), invite Austinites to attend 2ND Street Soundcheck, a free, fun-loving downtown celebration of  social responsibility, philanthropy and live music, presented by Stonyfield Organic.  

 On Saturday, June 2 from 1 to 7 p.m., Austinites can rock-out to bright emerging acts as well as artists who have graced the pages of Paste and Rolling Stone magazines. Brushfire Records’ Rogue Wave and the exploding talent of Polica will headline the festival along with sets by Alpha Rev, Ponderosa, Seryn and Cowboy & Indian. For an exclusive preview of the performers, visit: www.2ndstreetdistrict.com/soundcheck/ and tune into the Spotify playlist.

 Festival-goers can also chow down on global cuisine and snag souvenirs from more than 40 food vendors, restaurants and brands that stand for ethical progress and change – all raising awareness and funds for CTC’s community development work and Whole Planet Foundation’s poverty alleviation efforts.

 “Live music is a huge part of Austin’s heart and soul. We’re thrilled to partner with CTC, 2ND Street District and our sponsors to host an event that not only showcases talented artists the city will love, but helps people recognize the power of their choices and the impact they can make on our global communities,” said Philip Sansone, president and executive director of Whole Planet Foundation. “Together, we can create real change for the working poor in developing communities around the world.”

 Whole Planet Foundation funds poverty alleviation through microcredit in the U.S. and 50 developing-world countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. A community partner to the foundation, CTC works with Kenyan communities to provide resources that create sustainable change.

 “Launching Austin’s first philanthropic festival with Whole Planet Foundation and the 2ND Street District has been so inspiring,” said Zane Wilemon, founder and executive director of CTC. “It’s amazing to be a part of something that will bring positive impact to the people in Kenya. Collaborating with innovators whose hearts are dedicated to alleviating poverty locally and around the globe is powerful.”

 This year’s festival is the first of what the hosts hope to be many 2ND Street Soundcheck events aimed at helping Austin locals join forces to make a global impact.

 “The 2ND Street District is devoted to community,” said Julie Sutton-McGurk, Retail Marketing Manager of 2ND Street District.  “We couldn’t be prouder that what began as a street party to announce a new member of our neighborhood has, in only its second year, turned into a music festival that encourages hope and social awareness for causes at home and across the world.”

2012 2ND Street Soundcheck sponsors include:

Presenting Sponsor:  Stonyfield Organic

Platinum Sponsor:  LÄRABAR

Gold Sponsors: Sambazon and Alexia Foods

Silver Sponsors: ONE Campaign; TRIBE; Cascal; Car2Go; SooFoo; Threads 4 Thought; O.N.E. Coconut Water; Annie’s, Inc.; Center 61

Bronze Sponsors:  Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and Whole Foods Market

2ND Street Soundcheck is free and open to the public, and will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on 2ND Street between Colorado and San Antonio Streets. For event details and parking information, please visit www.2NDStreetDistrict/soundcheck.

About The 2ND Street District

In the center of downtown, and at the heart of what makes Austin unique, are more than 60 (primarily locally owned) specialty shops, services, and dining destinations.  Where Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool, The 2ND Street District prides itself on being a first-class retail district with a heightened focus on the customer experience.  Known for having something for everyone, including community events, it celebrates Austin, its residents, and visitors of the Capital City in style, which is why so many of “those in the know” think of 2ND, first!  For more information, please visit 2ndstreetdistrict.com

About Whole Planet Foundation®

Founded in 2005, Whole Planet Foundation is a Whole Foods Market foundation that funds poverty alleviation worldwide where the company sources products.  The nonprofit’s mission is to empower the poor living in developing-world communities with microcredit and the chance to create or expand a home-based business and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Whole Planet Foundation is funding micro-lending programs through microfinance institution partners in 51 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the U.S., supporting over one million people with a chance for a better life. To date, the nonprofit has authorized more than $26.5 million and disbursed more than $16.5 million through micro-lending partners worldwide. Learn more and donate online at wholeplanetfoundation.org.

About Comfort the Children International

Comfort the Children International is a 501(c)3 non-profit working alongside Kenyan communities to provide resources that create sustainable change. Established in 2003, CTC’s initiatives focus on education, environment, economy, health and community development that directly impact the community as a whole. CTC’s programs are delivered through local relationships, providing the empowerment necessary to make lasting change.