Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool
2nd Street Soundcheck brings Polica, Rogue Wave, Cowboy & Indian and more forhippest block party yet
This weekend, the latest block party presented by the 2nd Street District will flex a different set of muscles — one particularly capable of pulling in hip indie rock bands, past and present.
The 2nd Street District and nonprofits Whole Planet Foundation and Comfort The Children International (CTC) have partnered together to present 2nd Street Soundcheck, "a fun-loving downtown celebration of social responsibility, philanthropy and live music."
The headliners are particularly eye-catching: Rogue Wave's appearance marks the band's first show in over a year and a half, while Polica has been tearing across the country ever since SXSW, consistently lauded as 2012's "it" band.
Supporting acts include Cowboy and Indian, featuring Friday Night Lights heartthrob Jesse Plemons; alt-rock veterans Alpha Rev; the cheerfully boisterous Seryn; and Hemingway-heavy Ponderosa.
While the line-up is stellar, 2nd Street Soundcheck marks the first ever philanthropic music festival in Austin.
"Proceeds from every single purchase made on the street during Soundcheck will benefit CTC International and Whole Planet Foundation," explains 2nd Street Retail Marketing Manager Julie Sutton-McGurk.
"The bands are giving a cut of their merch, and the brands that will be on the street all promote social responsibility in one way or another — by encouraging environmental sustainability, championing fair-trade, etcetera, and are donating as much as 100 percent of the proceeds to those in need."
Known for previous, regular events like the Holiday Window Walk and the ever popular Cinco de Mayo block party, the 2nd Street District devotes itself to fostering community.
Between seven- and 10-thousand people are expected throughout the day; count yourself among them and indulge in the 40 food vendors and even pop into 2nd Street shops (which will indeed remain open for business) to beat the heat in between sets.
"We pride ourselves on being 'Where Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool,' and this event epitomizes that — the good nature of our people and the fact that we live in the Live Music Capital of the World," says Sutton-McGurk.
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Make a day of it: There will be $7 Valet and $5 parking at AMLI Downtown as long as spaces are available.