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 2^ND 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 2^ND 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 2^ND 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.

Colored denim continues to be popular this season, dare to slip into jeans in shades of bright orange, soft lilac or cockatoo teal. Girl Next Door has an amazing pair of cabaret jeans; when paired with a floral blouse and tangerine shoes, it creates an outfit perfect for brunch on a spring day in The District.

Add this season’s colors to not only your wardrobe, but also your home. If there was ever a color that would instantly revitalize any room in the house it would be a bold solar yellow, whether it be an all over wall color or just an accent accessory, such as this vase at Mercury Design Studio.  With this shade infused, your home is sure to emerge from its winter doldrums.

Add the playful energy of spring into your wardrobe by infusing this seasons must-have hues into some aspect of your wardrobe or home and reward your new colorful self with a Cantina Laredo margarita; afterall, it is one of the seasons most popular shades.

-Leigh Pullan

“The 2ND Street District is dedicated to causes that celebrate our community,” stated Retail Marketing Manager, Julie Sutton-McGurk. “On April 2nd, we will proudly join prominent buildings across the world by lighting it up blue in support of individuals and families affected by Autism.”

The 2ND Street District will be participating in a variety of ways to raise awareness on April 2nd and all month long.

• 1020 Glass will showcase blue window displays and donate 15% from any blue purchase.

• Etcetera, etc. will have blue themed mannequins, a blue sale, and offer complimentary blue spritzers on April 2ND.

• How Do You Roll? will light their windows blue and their staff will wear blue uniforms.

• Langford Market will have blue themed mannequins and offer complimentary blue cocktails and blue cupcakes and with every purchase of a BLUE item on April 2nd, your name will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate. If you’re wearing BLUE your name will be automatically entered.

• Milk + Honey will donate $5 from each blue manicure or pedicure during the month of April to Autism Speaks.

• Plain Ivey Jane will have a blue sale.

Find out about more events and how you can join the 2ND Street District and Light It Up Blue at www.liubaustin.org.

You have to eat (and shop) sometime.

The 2ND Street District has plenty happening.  Check our listings below, and keep checking back for more specials and events.  You can find our most current info on our FB page or on Twitter (@2NDStDistrict), so like us, follow us, and most importantly, come visit us.

Happy SXSW! 

Throughout the week:

1020 Glass Art: Show your badge or wristband and receive free gift and free shipping.

ACL-Live: We have a ACL Live Pop Merch Store on 2^nd Street across from City Hall starting Monday, 3/12.

Crú: SXSW Badge holders get $3 off all glasses and flights of wine every thru the 18th.

Mouth by Mouthwest™ (MXMW) concert series and fundraiser:  March 13, 14, 15 at Authentic Smiles Dental Studio, 211 San Antonio Street (2ND Street District), from 4/5pm – 10pm nightly. The event will feature live music by celebrated Austin musicians (many of whom are also beloved Authentic Smiles patients), as well as several out-of-town guests.  All proceeds will benefit the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) in an effort to make comprehensive dental care for Austin-area musicians feasible.

W Austin:  Join us as KGSR makes its new home at W Austin for their Live Morning Broadcast. On March 14 through March 17, 2012, the Great Room at W Austin will transform to host this popular morning show, featuring 4-hours of live acoustic performances and interviews by SXSW 2012 artists. You are invited. Lucky you!

Friday 3/9

ACL-Live: Start Up America, featuring Mark Zuckerberg and Ghostland Observatory headlining.    Open to Interactive badge holders.

 BoConcept: 10% off accessories – just need to show your badge.

Etcetera, Etc.: Trunkshow with Peppina. Gorgeous Jewelry! Also wine from Local Flat creek Winery and Sweets by Bon Bon’s by Serena 5-9pm - Click Here for Details.

W Austin:  Social Interactive Playtime (S.I.P) AKA happy hour in the Living Room & TRACE Bar from 3-6:30pm

Saturday 3/10

ACL-Live:  Aetna with DJ Hexum and Third Eye Blind headlining.  Open to Interactive badge holders.

BoConcept: 10% off accessories – just need to show your badge.

Etcetera, Etc.: During Texas Style Council Boutique crawl – Pop up shop with Hunt. Gather. Style. Vintage clothing Galore! 2-5pm – Click here for details.

W Austin: Social Interactive Playtime (S.I.P) AKA happy hour in the Living Room & TRACE Bar from 3-6:30pm

Sunday 3/11

BoConcept: 2ND sunday – additional 5% off floor models to EVERYONE.

W Austin: Social Interactive Playtime (S.I.P) AKA happy hour in the Living Room & TRACE Bar from 3-6:30pm

Monday 3/12

ACL-Live:  American Express Sync with Jay Z with special guests

BoConcept: 10% off accessories – just need to show your badge.

W Austin:  ALL-DAY Social Interactive Playtime (S.I.P) AKA happy hour in the Living Room & TRACE Bar

Tuesday  3/13

PRIZE:  Soak up free frozen margaritas while you jam to blues & rock from Austin’s own Eagle Eye Williamson at “PRIZE likes to PARTY!” We are super excited to be working with Wahaka and will be handing out tastings of Mezcal throughout the event!  Eagle Eye Williamson performs as a one band man playing drums, electric guitar and sings. He’s mixing it up for PRIZE and rocking us out to his eclectic collection of blues and rock on vinyl between his live sets! Check him out at: http://eagleeyewilliamson.com/

Wednesday 3/14

ESTILO: 1band 1brand SXSW Party – Enjoy a live performance by the KOPECKY FAMILY BAND and special shopping discounts while you sip on beverages from Widmer Brothers Brewing and Vitaminwater at Estilo on Wednesday, March 14th from 5-7 p.m.

THE WINE DOWN ON WEDNESDAY RETURNS TO ACL LIVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 2ND STREET DISTRICT and AUSTIN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU PRESENTED

BY THE DREAMING TREE

Ever Popular Wine, Food, Music Happy Hour Returns in 2012

Austin, Texas (February 29, 2012)- ACL Live at The Moody Theater announced today the 2012 dates for The Wine Down, a music series presented by The Dreaming Tree wines. In partnership with the 2^nd Street District and Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB), The Wine Down will return to the front porch of ACL Live for ten consecutive Wednesdays this spring.  The popular music series has become an anchor to driving people down to 2ND Street to experience lively nights of shopping, eating and strolling down the 2ND Street corridor.

All artists performing at The Wine Down are featured on the ACVB’s upcoming release of Austin Music Volume 11, the Bureau’s annual compilation of Austin music.  The CD will be released during SXSW and features 13 eclectic and diverse tracks of both established and up and coming Austin artists.  Included in the CD is a 40-page guide to Austin’s thriving music scene.

“We’re thrilled that the artists showcased on The Wine Down music series are also featured on our new “Austin Music Volume 11” compilation,” said Rose Reyes, director of music marketing for the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. “These artists embody Austin’s diverse live music scene and will give listeners a taste of everything from blues to jazz, hip hop and indie.”

“We can’t wait for The Wine Down this year,” said Julie Sutton-McGurk, Retail Marketing Manager of 2ND Street District.  “The 2SD restaurants are happy to give Austin a taste of their fare, our local retailers love the interaction with the patrons, and live music on the ACL front porch makes for the ideal Austin experience.”

Each week a different restaurant from the district and surrounding downtown area will be on-site at the front porch providing food samples while guests enjoy happy hour priced wines from The Dreaming Tree.  The 2012 series kicks off Wednesday, March 28^th and runs through May 30^th. Additionally, KGSR DJs will emcee each week.

 2012 The Wine Down on Wednesday Schedule:

• March 28^th Wild Child with bites from Cantina Laredo
• April 4^th Mike Flanigin with bites from Imperia
• April 11^th SPEAK with bites from How Do You Roll?
• April 18^th Ariel Abshire with bites from Coal Vines
• April 25^th Candace Bellamy with bites from Hickory Street
• May 2^nd Lex Land with bites from W Austin/TRACE
• May 9^th La Guerilla with bites from MAX’s Wine Dive
• May 16^th Soldier Thread with bites from III Forks
• May 23^rd Hudson Moore with bites from Cru
• May 30^th Nakia with bites from La Condesa

 The Wine Down on Wednesday is free and open to the public and will take place from 5– 7 pm. In addition, each week the event will host giveaways for merchandise from businesses around the 2ND Street neighborhood.  For more information, please visit www.acl-live.com.

Ad March 2012

Hey, Austin!  The current 2SD campaign is all about you!  Want everyone to know what you stand for or just **want to have some fun and be in an ad for the coolest place in town?  Comment below, post on our FB page, or to maintain your privacy, email us with:

1) A brief, personal quote about whatever you believe in, are currently thinking, or hold as a credo.  Fun to philosophical, weird to wise – no topic is off limits.  Our fair city, fashion, food, politics, causes…everything is on the table. 

2) A phone number or email address where you can be reached to schedule a quick, casual, (coughcoughamateurcoughcough) photo shoot highlighting YOU!

Just a quick note will do: let us know your quote and how to get in touch, and we’ll do the rest. 

Female bloggers command an impressive audience, worldwide. When it comes to fashion, Austin, Texas is known for its “casual cool” but completely innovative style, and our Texas Style Council conference reflects the same attitudes. Now in its third year, the Texas Style Council conference is a three day weekend during SXSW Interactive that serves as a networking event and social media symposium specifically for female fashion and lifestyle bloggers (or aspiring bloggers!) and shop owners and brands who wish to connect with young, creative, tech savvy women.

The Texas Style Council differs from other blog conferences in that we focus on creating genuine connections between the attendees and we encourage our participating bloggers and brands to be the best version of of themselves, no matter how big or how small. Two days are dedicated to networking and meeting new people and brands, while one entire day is devoted to a fully staged social media symposium where bloggers and brands can learn from top tier professionals new ways to connect with each other, their readers, companies, and customers. The 2012 Texas Style Council takes place in Austin, Texas, March 9, 10, and 11th.

Check back for details of the clothing swap, pop-up shop, and parties happening in the 2SD!

• Luxe Apothetique – next to Mercury at the SW corner of 2nd & Colorado – 201 W. 2nd St.
• Strut – right next to Which Wich and directly across from the W Hotel front door – 215 Lavaca St.
• Hemline – in between MISSBEHAVE and Eliza Page – 233 W. 2nd St.
• Daily Juice –  nestled right in between Cantina Laredo & Delish – 209 W. 3rd St.

VOTE HERE!

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