The Sarasota Young Professionals Group,, in partnership with S One Holding Corporation, brings the second annual Rock for a Cause to Payne Park tomorrow, uniting park-goers, music lovers and supporters of musical education in an all-day family affair to benefit music education in local schools. Featuring six local musical acts competing in a Battle of the Bands, as well as assorted activities and vendors throughout the grounds, entrance costs either $1 or a school supply donation for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

With 12 to 13 bands applying, more than 6,000 community voters narrowed the slate to six top competitors, including Shore Dogs, Audiosphere, The South Trail Band and solo act Paige Merriman, a local high school student, for Saturday’s Battle of the Bands. Bands will play throughout the day, with attendees casting their votes for top performers. The winning band will receive a prize of $1,500 for the band and $3,500 to be directed to a local school music education program of its choice.

It’s a cause that hits home for Shantel Norman, who sings Saturday with the band Jah Movement. She remembers being part of a small town music program in North Carolina. “We were not able to do a lot of shows because we needed monies for sheet music, instruments, uniforms, etc.,” said Norman. “So I know how it is when you are in school and doing something that you love with a passion but can’t enjoy because you are always having to raise money.”

YPG transformed its annual block party into a charitable event last year when the board convened looking for a philanthropic angle for the 10th anniversary party. “That’s at the heart of what we do – looking at how we can make the community better,” said YPG Coordinator Mimi Fleck. “So this really matches with our core beliefs.”

Activities on-site will include a rock-climbing wall and a balloon artist, with drinks and snacks from local vendors including Mozzarella Fella and Kona Ice.

Rock for a Cause kicks off Saturday at 1pm at Payne Park.