05/26/2026
So excited to be one of the local non-profits at the Growth by Giving Music Festival this year. Buy your tickets at www.growthbygivingmusicfest.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Growth By Giving Music Fest Returns to Keene for a Full Day of Live Music, Energy, and Community Celebration
KEENE, NH — The Growth By Giving Music Fest presented by Savings Bank of Walpole returns to downtown Keene on Sunday, September 6, 2026, bringing the courtyard behind Tempesta’s Restaurant back to life with a full day of live music, food, drinks, raffles, vendors, and community celebration.
Following a successful inaugural year that drew more than 500 attendees and generated over $10,000 for local nonprofits, organizers say this year’s event will feature expanded entertainment, additional sponsors, more community participation, and a full day of music across both the Main Stage and Side Stage.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with live music beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Festivalgoers can expect an outdoor courtyard atmosphere filled with live music throughout the day, food and drinks from Tempesta’s Restaurant, raffle giveaways, merchandise, vendors, and space to gather, dance, and enjoy the final stretch of summer in downtown Keene.
The 2026 lineup includes:
Main Stage
Equalites (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
A high-energy reggae band known for crowd interaction, positive energy, and an upbeat summer atmosphere that gets the audience moving early in the day.
Superunknown (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
A powerful live performance bringing the music and energy of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Chris Cornell to the stage with the intensity and emotion that defined 1990s and early 2000s rock.
Draw the Line (5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
One of the country’s premier Aerosmith live acts, delivering the sound, style, and energy that made Aerosmith one of America’s most iconic rock bands.
Side Stage
Afterthought (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
A young local band quickly building a reputation for high-energy performances and impressive musicianship well beyond their years.
Waking Finnegan (1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
A fan-favorite Celtic rock band blending traditional Irish influences with rock energy, humor, and audience participation throughout the day.
Presented by Savings Bank of Walpole, the festival combines live entertainment with local business sponsorships and nonprofit partnerships designed to support the Monadnock Region.
“Sitting in that courtyard last year and seeing hundreds of people singing, dancing, reconnecting, and simply enjoying being together was incredible,” said Joanna Zambella, co-organizer of the festival and owner of JZ Consulting Agency. “There was an energy throughout the day that felt authentic and positive. This year we’re building on that momentum and creating an even bigger experience for the community.”
“What made last year special was the atmosphere,” said Jennifer Paone of The Production House and co-organizer of the event. “The music, the people, the businesses, the nonprofits, the volunteers — everything came together in a way that felt exciting and genuinely fun. We’re thrilled to bring that experience back this year.”
“This event represents what the Growth By Giving initiative was always meant to be about,” said Gil Oriol and Sean MacPhee, owners of Guyer & Son Roofing and creators of the Growth By Giving initiative. “Businesses have the ability to make a real difference when they come together around something positive. Last year proved what’s possible, and this year the community support has been even stronger.”
Business sponsorships help keep ticket prices affordable and accessible while allowing organizers to continue expanding the event’s entertainment and community impact.
Featured nonprofit partners for the 2026 festival include:
Keene Housing Kids Collaborative
Monadnock Habitat for Humanity
Honey Bee Hollow Children's Center
Linda’s Closet
A certain number of attendees arriving before noon will receive a free Kona Ice and a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes including a $350 pizza oven donated by Monadnock Appliance, along with additional raffle prizes announced throughout the summer. All raffle proceeds will benefit participating nonprofits.
Festival merchandise, including official event t-shirts produced by Beeze Tees, is available through the festival website.
A limited Best Western Bundle is also available, featuring a discounted hotel room at the Best Western Plus Keene Hotel along with two tickets to the festival.
The event is co-organized by JZ Consulting Agency, Guyer & Son Roofing, and The Production House.
Current sponsors and partners include:
Presenting Sponsor
Savings Bank of Walpole
Legacy Sponsors
Monadnock Appliance
Steven Wilder Automotive
Tri-State Restoration
Finley Construction
Bar Sponsor
Greenwald Realty Group / Greenwald Rental Management
Community Partners
Monadnock Ford
Troy Powersports
Friends of the Fest
M&T Bank
Davis Oil & Propane
The Artistry
Co-Organizers
Guyer & Son Roofing
The Production House
JZ Consulting Agency
In-Kind Sponsors & Partners
Tempesta’s Restaurant
Monadnock Media Group
Beeze Tees
Gem Graphics
Vendors
Kona Ice
Luxury Photo Booth
Organizers are currently seeking additional sponsors, volunteers, raffle prize donations, and media partnerships leading up to the event. Media interviews are available upon request.
Tickets are on sale now at GrowthByGivingMusicFest.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Joanna Zambella
JZ Consulting Agency
[email protected]
(603) 499-5850
Join the Growth by Giving Music Festival in Keene, NH on September 14, 2025, for live music, local community support, and a day of celebration and giving.
