Growth By Giving Music Fest Raises Funds for Six Nonprofits

Music festivals are everywhere this summer, and a brand-new fest with a benevolent twist is happening in Keene on Sunday, Sept. 14 for more than one good cause. Growth by Giving Music Fest was created by Monadnock Region residents Joanna Zambella, event director and co-organizer, along with Jennifer Paone, co-organizer. Music fans will enjoy a powerhouse lineup with The Breakers, channeling Tom Petty, Dazed, delivering the thunder of Led Zeppelin, and local favorite Strangers bringing their own high-energy rock to the stage. Growth by Giving Music Fest takes place outside in the courtyard at Tempesta's Restaurant, which will offer BBQ on the patio, a full menu inside for festival goers, and two bars, one inside and one in the courtyard. There is a raffle with three prizes: Traeger Woodridge Pellet Grill (value $900), two Red Sox tickets for Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3:05 p.m. Red Sox vs. Tigers (value $300), and a 50/50 cash raffle. One hundred percent of the proceeds generated by the raffle directly benefit the nonprofits. How did this festival come about? "Jimmy Tempesta is a friend of mine and we talked about doing a big music festival at Tempesta's Restaurant. One day in the spring we just said, let's make it happen," Zambella said. "Then, I called up my friend Jennifer (Paone) of The Production House because she's had experience with festivals from her work with Arts Alive. I asked her to work with me on this and she said yes," Zambella added. The festival is more than a fundraiser to support local organizations; it is a celebration of community and the support that arises out of collaborative effort. "I am really excited because the event itself has a lot of personal meaning. One of the things I love about this area is that it is a true community. People really take care of each other and this (fest) is evidence of that," noted Zambella. Growth by Giving Music Fest will raise money for six nonprofit partners: Keene Housing Kids Collaborative, The Keene Swamp Bats, Monadnock Humane Society, Monadnock Arts Alive, Keene Senior Center and Elm Research Institute. Zambella said that the nonprofits were picked by the business sponsors, and their support also allowed them to keep ticket prices low. "Beyond that, it's going to be a great day of fantastic music and community. For everything we can say about doing good and being good, we know that people aren't going to show up unless we put on one heck of a show and that is what we are doing on September 14," Zambella added. To make this festival truly different and matter to the community, the organizers decided that net-proceeds should support non-profits. This aligned perfectly with a concept from the presenting sponsor: Guyer & Son Roofing who started the Growth by Giving initiative (www.growthbygiving.org) to focus on businesses volunteering, donating and advocating for nonprofits. "I first met (Guyer & Son) at a United Way event and they stood up and talked about the importance of businesses being involved in the community. They walk the talk," said Zambella. Zambella, who grew up in Boston and has spent extended time all over the world, moved to Keene in 2015. "I love nature and being outdoors. I like the people and feel connected here. This is a place that I belong," she said. Owner of JZ Consulting Agency, Zambella helps business owners build a marketing machine to win the right jobs, while also strengthening operations and creating long-term customer relationships. Jennifer Paone owner of The Production House and co-organizer of the Fest wrote in an email to The Keene Sentinel, "What excites me most about Growth By Giving is the ripple effect it creates. It's not just about one big day of music; it's about building a culture of generosity and joy that will carry forward long after the last note is played." "Being both a co-organizer and sponsor allows me to invest my heart, creativity and resources into something that makes a lasting difference," Paone added. "In addition, as a filmmaker and storyteller, I've always believed in the power of connection. This festival is an extension of that — using music as the universal language to bring people together, shine a light on the organizations that lift up our neighbors and remind us that our part truly matters," said Paone. The pair are hoping to attract 500 to 600 attendees and say that 600 would be considered sold out. "This is the first of what will be an annual event. We designed a day of excellent entertainment for the community and expect it to sell out, so get your tickets now," concluded Zambella. Growth by Giving Music Fest Schedule: Festival Emcee – Natalie Knowles, Rewind 92.7 FM 11 a.m. Doors open 12 – 1 p.m. Strangers, local rockers with a big following 1 – 2 p.m. Ryan Hood on keyboards and vocals - on the patio 2 – 4 p.m. Dazed, a Boston-based Led Zeppelin tribute band 4 – 5 p.m. Live music on the patio 5 – 7 p.m. The Breakers, USA's top Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute band Growth By Giving Music Fest is generously sponsored by: Guyer & Son Roofing, Savings Bank of Walpole, Monadnock Appliance, Tri-State Restoration, Filtrine, Hamblet Electric, Monadnock Ford, Troy Powersports, Davis Oil, The Artistry, JZ Consulting Agency, The Production House, Tempesta's Restaurant, Best Western Plus, Beeze Tees, Silver Direct, Gem Graphics, Monadnock Media Group, Bellevance Beverage Co., Greater Monadnock Collaborative and Septic Pro. IF YOU GO: WHAT: Growth By Giving Music Festival WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 TIME: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Doors open at 11 a.m.) WHERE: Courtyard behind Tempesta's Restaurant/Best Western Plus, 401 Winchester St., Keene Tickets: $30 each (100% of net proceeds distributed to participating non-profits) For more info: www.GrowthByGivingMusicFest.org Festival is open to all ages, but it is designed for adults.