KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) What started as an idea for a day of great live music has grown into something much bigger.

When the second annual Growth By Giving Music Fest returns to Keene on Sunday, Sept. 6, organizers hope attendees leave with more than memories of live performances. They want people to see firsthand how local businesses, nonprofits and residents can work together to strengthen the Monadnock Region.

The festival, held in the courtyard behind Tempesta’s Restaurant at the Best Western Plus Keene Hotel, follows a successful inaugural event that attracted more than 500 people and raised over $10,000 for local nonprofit organizations. This year’s festival has expanded with two stages, more entertainment, additional sponsors and increased opportunities for community involvement.

For co-organizer Joanna Zambella, owner of JZ Consulting Agency (her fellow organizers are Jennifer Paone of The Production House and Guyer & Son Roofing), the festival’s greatest accomplishment isn’t measured by attendance alone.

“What started as a great party evolved into something with a much bigger purpose,” Zambella said. “It’s about businesses giving back to the community while creating something everyone can enjoy.”

That philosophy is reflected in the event’s name. Zambella said “Growth By Giving” represents the belief that businesses and organizations thrive when they invest in the communities they serve. Rather than simply hosting a concert, organizers have built the festival around partnerships that benefit local charities, sponsors and attendees alike.

Business sponsorships play a major role in making that possible. According to Zambella, sponsors receive year-round marketing opportunities through social media, videos, radio advertising and on-site promotion, while their support helps keep ticket prices affordable and funds the festival’s charitable mission. This year’s presenting sponsors are Savings Bank of Walpole and Guyer & Son Roofing. Legacy sponsors are Monadnock Appliance,  Steven Wilder Automotive, Tri-State Restoration and Finley Construction; and the bar sponsor is Greenwald Realty Group/Greenwald Rental Management. Community Partners are Monadnock Ford andTroy Powersports; and Friends of the Fest
are M&T Bank, Davis Oil & Propane and The Artistry; and In-Kind Sponsors and Partners are Tempesta’s Restaurant, Monadnock Media Group, Beeze Tees and GemGraphics.

“We don’t look at sponsorships as donations,” she said. “It’s a marketing program that also allows businesses to make a real impact locally.”

Sponsors at certain levels also select which nonprofit organizations receive support from the event, creating a direct connection between local businesses and community organizations.

This year’s beneficiaries include Keene Housing Kids Collaborative, Monadnock Habitat for Humanity, Honey Bee Hollow Children’s Center and Linda’s Closet. Organizers are giving those organizations an even larger role during the festival by providing display tables, digital presentations and stage recognition. One featured moment will celebrate a Habitat for Humanity homeowner paying off a 30-year mortgage, with a ceremonial mortgage burning planned during the event. All raffle proceeds will benefit the participating nonprofits.

Music remains at the heart of the festival.

The expanded lineup includes local favorites and nationally recognized tribute acts performing across two stages. Afterthought, a young local band, opens the day before reggae group Equilites, Celtic rock band Waking Finnegan, Soundgarden and Chris Cornell tribute act Superunknown, and Aerosmith tribute band Draw the Line take the stage.

Zambella said organizers spent the past year building relationships with booking agents and promoters to elevate the entertainment.

“We wanted to create a lineup where people would come for the music but leave knowing they helped make a difference in the community,” she said.

Beyond the performances, attendees can enjoy food and beverages from Tempesta’s Restaurant, vendors, merchandise, raffles and giveaways throughout the day. Early arrivals will receive complimentary Kona Ice and a raffle ticket while supplies last, with prizes including a pizza oven donated by Monadnock Appliance.

Organizers are continuing to recruit sponsors, volunteers and raffle prize donors as the festival approaches. Zambella said the event’s long-term vision is to grow each year while maintaining its local focus.

“We want people to have an incredible day,” she said. “If everyone leaves having had a great time while helping local nonprofits, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 6, with live music beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets are available at GBGMusicFest.org.