Annual Reggae Fest to Help Feed Hungry Central Texans

New Kingston, The Slackers and more Headline 2015 Austin Reggae Festival Benefiting Capital Area Food Bank

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The traditional Austin Reggae Festival will once again bring a versatile group of local and national reggae artists for a three-day outdoor musical entertainment event while benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank, the largest hunger relief charity in Central Texas, beginning Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19.

The signature event that brings in about 60,000 people over the three-day period raised about 476,000 meals last year for the Food Bank and has raised more than 2.7 million meals over the past five years.

“The Capital Area Food Bank is happy to partner with the Austin Reggae Festival for one of the largest fundraisers of the year,” said Hank Perret, President and CEO of the Food Bank. “It’s amazing to watch so many people come out to watch a talented group of artists while helping in the fight against hunger at the same time.”

The festival has been ongoing for more than 20 years, and Hugh Forrest, Austin Reggae Festival producer, said organizers of the event are excited proceeds for the event will again help feeds thousands of hungry families throughout the Central Texas region.

“One of the longstanding traditions within the reggae culture is helping out the less fortunate members of our society,” Forrest said. “The partnership between the Austin Reggae Festival and the Capital Area Food Bank really speaks to the strength and power of this tradition.”

The event will return to the renovated Auditorium Shores and will feature reggae sensations Lee Scratch Perry, Yellowman, Alika, The Slackers, Ska-talites, New Kingston, Black Slater and more.

A variety of vendors will be at Austin Reggae Festival showcasing a large world market, offering clothes, jewelry and other great gift ideas from around the world. Attendees are invited to stroll the tree-lined market area to visit the international food booths.

Gates open at 3:00 P.M. Friday and 11:00 A.M. on Saturday and Sunday. The shows end at 10:00 P.M. every day.

Tickets are $15 per day, or $40 for a three-day pass if purchased in advance. Tickets will be sold for $20 at the gate.

Although additional donations are not required for entry, Food Bank volunteers will be on hand to collect non-perishable food items and cash donations.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.austinreggaefest.com.

ON-SITE  CONTACT:  Marivel Resendiz, Capital Area Food Bank Communications Specialist
Direct: 512-684-2534
Mobile: 210-396-3387
Email: mresendiz@austinfoodbank.org  

About Capital Area Food Bank of Texas:

The mission of Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. Founded in 1981, CAFB provides food and grocery products through a network of 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, CAFB serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on CAFB and its programs, visit www.austinfoodbank.org.