Rock the Earth to File Suit to Prevent BLM from Shortchanging Colorado
BLM ignoring solutions that better protect the Roan Plateau and American taxpayers
 This week, a coalition of groups announced its intention to file a lawsuit to prevent the federal government from leasing the Roan Plateau under a plan that will needlessly damage important wildlife habitat, traditional uses and cherished public lands, for the benefit of the richest industry in the world.
“For eight years, tens of thousands of citizens, local governments, sportsmen, recreationalists and conservation groups have tried to make sure that the Roan’s critical wildlife areas, clean water and backcountry are properly managed and protected,” said Elise Jones of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. “With the Bush administration’s recent decision to lease all the remaining public lands in and around the Roan, they’ve left Colorado citizens no other option but to ask for our day in court.”
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Continuing to Rock the Defense Department on Pinon Canyon
 The Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) is located in southeastern Colorado in a region that contains forested mesas, grasslands, working ranches and riparian habitats. This fragile ecosystem continues to be threatened by the U.S. Army’s irrational hunger for more land to be used for mechanized and live fire weapons training. The Army originally acquired Piñon Canyon in the early 1980s to create a maneuver and training site for the Fort Carson military base in Colorado Springs. Claiming that they need more land for training purposes, the Army is currently attempting to expand the existing 238,000-acre base by an additional 418,577 acres, primarily through acquisition of private ranching land around Piñon Canyon. The expanded PCMS would cover approximately 1,000 square miles.
The expansion of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site will have catastrophic effects on the local ecology. The lands including and surrounding the PCMS represent the largest continuous block of undisturbed, native grasslands remaining on the western High Plains. Grasslands are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the world; in the last 125 to 150 years, most of America’s native grasslands have been destroyed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, native grasslands in the United States declined by 24 million acres between 1982 and 2002.
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Bonnaroo!
RtE Executive Director Marc Ross, Ulises Bella (Ozomatli) and Zach Gill (Jack Johnson,
ALO). |
For the third time in as many years, Rock the Earth played a significant role in programming at Bonnaroo, the grand-daddy of all U.S. festivals! In the seventh year of Bonnaroo, 80,000 fans from around the world flocked to witness the most diverse line-up to date. 2008 headliners included the metal rock legends Metallica, fan-favorites Pearl Jam and Jack Johnson, and current jamband kings Widespread Panic. Also on the line-up were bands as diverse as My Morning Jacket, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Kanye West, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Death Cab for Cutie, Adele, and many more.
Rock the Earth created much of the programming for the Solar Stage in Planet Roo, the village dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable and healthy living. Nonprofit organizations, eco-friendly vendors, and performers on the Solar Stage gathered to interact and educate the public about what we can all do to protect our planet's health. Rock the Earth held a series of panel discussions, artist interviews and musical performances on the Solar Stage each day, all centered around the theme of "Social Change Through Music." Moderated by Rock the Earth Executive Director Marc Ross, the sessions explored the synergies between the artists that create music and the interconnectedness of their art to the environment and the world around us.
RtE Board Member Jason Bau and The Disco Biscuit's Marc Brownstein - Photo by Dave Vann |
Friday kicked off with an interview and panel discussion with Marc Brownstein (Disco Biscuits), Tania Elizabeth (The Duhks), Jennifer Fahey (Farm Aid), Jason Bau (Hardhead Management) and Rebecca Lichtenfeld (WITNESS). Following the panel, Chicago-based bluegrass sensation Cornmeal performed and then sat down with Marc for a discussion on the conscious power of music. This memorable performance was followed by a one-on-one interview between Gregor Barnum, Director of Corporate Consciousness for 7th Generation and Marc to discuss the Bonnaroo Carbon Shredders program, a year-long program to encourage attendees to commit to cutting their carbon footprint by 10% by Bonnaroo 2009.
Saturday kicked off with another panel featuring Zach Gill (Jack Johnson, ALO), Ulises Bella (Ozomatli), Nick Morgan (Rex Foundation, Black Rocks Arts Foundation), Laura Sohn (Bonnaroo Sustainability Coordinator) and Joe Tomlinson (Re:Volve), followed by an interview and musical performance with The Duhks. Sunday began with Marc hosting the third and final panel on Social Change Through Music with country superstar Pat Green, Benj Gershman (O.A.R.), Phil Lowe, Jr. (National Multiple Schlerosis Society), Bob Ferguson (Oxfam), Carie Lewis (National Humane Society) and Justin Levy (Conscious Alliance). Following the panel, Marc hosted a one-on-one interview with Russ Bennett (Bonnaroo Visual Arts Director) about the inspiring art installations throughout Bonnaroo as well as discussing Russ’ prior work with Phish at their festivals in Maine, New York and in Florida.
 In addition to all of the programming on the Solar Stage at Bonnaroo 2008, Rock the Earth was pleased to work with Major League Baseball and it’s MLB Authentic Collection as fans and artists were invited to participate in Batting For Charity. A contribution of $5,000, representing a donation for every person who took a turn in the FREE pitching and batting cages at Bonnaroo, was made to support our environmental and outreach efforts.
It was a powerful weekend for Rock the Earth and our mission to defend the planet one beat at a time. Hundreds of folks came through the Rock the Earth booth over the course of the festival and many more were inspired by the artists and activists who participated in the discussions! Special thanks to Chris Crowell, Nick Algee, James Gooch, Jill Franklin, Rock the Earth Advisory Board Member Rich Goodstone, Robin Jaffee and Major League Baseball, StubHub, and the kind folks from Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment who, once again, gave Rock the Earth the exclusive opportunity to head up these efforts and the resources to run with it. We are already talking about next year, and Rock the Earth is looking forward to being involved in Bonnaroo 2009!
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Running Down A Dream: Summer Tour Update
 Our first month of our 5th Summer Education and Outreach Tour has been an amazing success. With booths at Summer Camp, Mountain Jam and Bonnaroo, and on Dave Matthews Band and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tours, literally hundreds of environmentally-minded music fans visited our booth, learned about our organization and the projects on which we’re working, and became members.
This month, we continue our work with both the Dave Matthews Band and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers on the east cost. In the mid-west we launch a second tour on the west coast chasing the bands Gov’t Mule and Bob Weir’s Ratdog around California, Oregon and Washington before settling in for our 5th appearance at one of our favorite festivals in the country – High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, California. Meanwhile, also on our calendar is our 4th appearance at the 10,000 Lakes Festival in beautiful Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and we’ll be setting up shop in our hometown festival, the inaugural Mile High Music Festival in Denver. Not only will this amazing festival feature both RtE partners the Dave Matthews Band and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, but also John Mayer, Steve Winwood, O.A.R., RtE Advisory Board Member Michael Franti & Spearhead, the Black Crows, Brett Dennen and many others.
Later in the month we begin work with yet another new band, the Flobots. Based in Denver, The Flobots are quickly taking the nation (and the nation’s radiowaves) by storm. With a blend of hip-hop, catchy melodies and socially conscious lyrics, millions are starting to hear the name Flobots, and their hit single, "Handlebars," is getting tons of radio play. Rock the Earth is honored to be working with such a great band that’s on the Rise!
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In the Key of Green: Reaping the Local Bounty
 With summer gas prices at record highs and climbing, consumers are feeling the pinch not only at the pump, but also at the market. National estimates of the average distance traveled from farm to market vary from 1300 to over 1500 miles for most fresh and processed foods.1
Summer is a great time to (re)discover local farm stands, farmers’ markets, food co-operatives, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs! Unless you’ve grown it yourself, nothing beats the taste of fresh-picked, locally grown produce. Buying local, in-season produce not only helps your wallet, but also supports local – and hopefully sustainable and organic - agriculture and helps to combat greenhouse gases and air pollution emissions associated with the typically lengthy transport to market. The website Local Harvest is a great first resource for finding perennial farmers markets, food co-ops, and CSAs near you. CSAs are essentially a subscription program where you create a partnership with local farms and receive a basket of fresh produce, preserves, eggs and other locally grown goods every week throughout the growing season. There are even CSAs for meat, poultry and fish in some locations.
Other good resources for fresh produce are “farm trails” where you can visit and purchace produce on site at featured farms, and community grower’s swap meets, where you can bring your excess veggies and fruits to trade for veggies and fruits grown by other community members. Many major grocery stores feature locally-grown selections too.
While it may not be practical to tailor your diet to only eating locally grown foods, it is always a good practice to develop menus that take advantage of what’s inseason and fresh, even when eating out. Your family will eat healthier, support local agriculture and distribution channels, likely save on your grocery bill, and help to combat the tremendous fuel usage and emissions typically associated with bringing our food from farm to market.
1 http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/8/22/153521/484/
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RtE June Auction - Jack Johnson Red Rocks Tickets!
 Tickets for Rock the Earth 2006 Planet Defender Jack Johnson’s Red Rocks show sold out almost instantly! But, as one of the All At Once charities working with Jack at the upcoming August 17 concert in Denver, we have been granted some tickets to help support our work. All at Once is a new social action network connecting nonprofits with people who want to become active in their local and world communities. All At Once comes to life online at www.allatonce.org and at every Jack Johnson concert in the Village Green, a collection of interactive booths where you can get educated, get inspired and connect face-to-face with us and with other local, national and international non-profits.
Meanwhile, help us raise funds! Jack Johnson is matching every dollar contributed to us at the show and online. Please make a contribution right now and your donation will be doubled by Jack Johnson’s new charity, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation! (Up to $2500 per group.) You can also help us raise funds by viewing a brief video about Rock the Earth on the All At Once website. For everyone who views the RtE video, $1 will be donated to our organization!
To bid on a pair of general admission tickets to Jack’s August 17 Red Rocks show, go here.
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New Membership Gift
 OK, you ladies asked for it and now we’ve got it – a brand-spanking new 100% organic cotton cap-sleeve t-shirt, perfect for your next summer concert or festival. Featuring the Rock the Earth classic logo design, this forest green t-shirt is quickly becoming all the rage on the summer tour! This shirt is now available as a free membership gift at the $35 level of membership.
Other great Membership Gifts include:
 Jim Pollock’s Barrels Make Great Planters - $100
Now, for only $100, new and renewing members can receive the latest in our new gifts – the fifth in our Elements print series. Designed and printed by famed rock artist, Jim Pollock, this stunning color print is signed and numbered (limited to only 500) by the artist and is printed on 25% hemp, 75% post consumer waste. Hurry – these won’t last long!
 RtE Summer Tour Poster 2008 - $25
This beautiful poster created by artist Ryan Kerrigan is the fifth in our series of Summer Tour posters. Printed on Living Tree paper (100% hemp/flax and recycled content), the poster is hand-signed by the artist and numbered out of a series of 250.
With every contribution you receive a membership to Rock the Earth. Help us build a unified voice for the music community so we can Rock the Earth together!
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Membership Benefits:
And don't forget about these fantastic member benefits, all yours with a $25 or more donation to help us Defend the Planet One Beat at a Time!
 The good people at eConsciousMarket.com are offering a free membership ($30 value) to all RtE members! eConscious Market offers a huge array of environmentally and socially responsible products, and donates half the net profits from each sale to the non-profit of the customer’s choice!
 RtE Advisory Board Member and long-time Google chef, Charlie Ayers, is offering members a 20% discount on his new cookbook Food 2.0 Secrets from the Chef Who Fed Google. In this 90-recipe cookbook, learn everything you need to know about the newest nutrition buzzword: brainfood!
Send an email to info@rocktheearth.org to find out how to receive your discount for these newest member benefits.
Festivaaaaallll!
Festival season is upon us and we’re proud to announce our first two festival partners. Thanks to their generosity, our current Members can purchase discounted tickets to these festivals:
 All Good Festival - only $120 for RtE Members - a savings of nearly $50!
Held at Marvin’s Mountaintop in the rolling hills of West Virginia, July 11-13, the All Good Music Festival and Camp Out is always where everything is “all good!” Featuring bands such as Phil Lesh & Friends, Widespread Panic, Keller Williams and the MD’S, JJ Grey & MOFRO, Perpetual Groove and Hot Buttered Rum, All Good will be an event to remember this summer! Members who wish to order tickets can write to info@rocktheearth.org.
 10,000 Lakes Festival - only $110 for RtE Members - a savings of $40!
For the third year in a row, our friends at 10KLF are putting on one of the summer’s best festivals and offering RtE members an incredible discount. Located in beautiful Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, this year’s festival features the Flaming Lips, Phil Lesh & Friends, Leftover Salmon, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood, and Cornmeal. Members who wish to order tickets can write to info@rocktheearth.org.
 Gathering of the Vibes - only $150 for RtE Members - a savings of nearly $50!
Once again, THE place to be July 31-August 3 is at the venerable Gathering of the Vibes Festival and thanks to their generosity, we’re offering RtE members significant discounts. Located along the water in Bridgeport, CT, this year’s festival features The Black Crowes, Phil Lesh & Friends, the Neville Brothers, Taj Mahal, Zappa Plays Zappa, Umphrey’s McGee, Sam Bush Band and American Babies. Members who wish to order tickets can write to info@rocktheearth.org.
 Mountain Music Meltdown - only $40 for RtE Members - a savings of $20!
In just their second year, the Mountain Music Meltdown is already starting to attract some of our favorite performers. Held August 9 and 10 in beautiful Saranac Lake, NY, the year’s festival features Donna the Buffalo, Dark Star Orchestra, Chris Hillman (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Bros.), King Wilkie and The Horseflies. Members who wish to order two day pass tickets for only $40 can write to info@rocktheearth.org.
| More Rock
the Earth Member Benefits: |
 |
15%
discount on all orders from Sama
Living |
 |
10%
discount on all merchandise from The
Faded Line Clothing Company |
 |
20%
off beautiful nature ecards from Tree
Greetings that plant a tree
for someone special! |
 |
20%
off all Advice from Nature books, journals, t-shirts,
postcards, bookmarks and tree planting cards from Your
True Nature |
 |
20%
off all products from Guayaki
Yerba Mate |
 |
20%
off Eco
Express gift baskets (or donate
20% of all full-priced orders to Rock the Earth
by designating donation in comments section of
each order) |
 |
20%
off Bamboosa products |
 |
20%
off SCIGear merchandise |
 |
Special
contests and discounts on concert tickets |
| To
find out how you can take advantage of these Members
Only benefits, write to info@rocktheearth.org. |
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Volunteers
Rock!
If
you are looking for ways to get more involved with
Rock the Earth, now is the time to step up and make
your voice heard. Here some ways you might volunteer
with Rock the Earth:
- Participating
in environmental education, membership solicitation
and outreach at events
- Providing regional coordination of events and volunteers
- Supporting
our fundraising & membership drives
- Offering
legal & technical assistance to RtE projects
- Assisting
with data entry & mailings in our Denver office
- Writing
press releases
Please
drop a note to volunteer@RocktheEarth.org and a let us know how you wish to get involved. Be
sure to include your name, geographical area, and
the best way in which we can contact you. We look
forward to rocking the earth with your help in 2008!
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Peter Shapiro Rocks the Earth: Interview
Peter Shapiro at the 2008 Jammy Awards Show - Photo by Rod Snyder |
Peter Shapiro is the latest person to join the Rock the Earth Advisory Board. Independent music and film entrepreneur Peter Shapiro’s varied career has thus far been marked by two things: a desire to create films, TV specials and events that span the musical spectrum, and a need to continue to push the envelope with each new project.
Shapiro’s eclectic and wholly individual career path has led to acclaimed and ground-breaking projects like the IMAX concert films U23D & All Access, the Green Apple Festival (America’s largest Earth Day event), the annual Jammys awards show and concert, the VH1 hip-hop documentary And You Don’t Stop, and his current efforts with 3ality Digital, of which he is a founding partner, to make 3D become a significant component of the out-of-home and in-home entertainment experience.
After producing the Grateful Dead documentary Tie-Died in 1995, and directing the short film American Road, which premiered at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival, Shapiro became the owner of the celebrated downtown New York music venue, The Wetlands Preserve. An eclectic home for everything from punk and hardcore to hippie-rock and reggae music, Wetlands was hailed as a “landmark rock club” by Rolling Stone and hosted the first NYC performances by the likes of Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Oasis, and Dave Matthews.
In 1999, Shapiro took his love for both film and music to another level, producing (with his brother, Jon) and serving as musical director for the critically acclaimed IMAX concert film All Access, which featured performances by Sting, Santana, Dave Matthews Band, Al Green, Mary J. Blige, George Clinton, Sheryl Crow, Moby, and Kid Rock. All Access built a bridge to Shapiro’s next project: the annual Jammys awards show and all-star concert. Launched in 2000, the Jammys has since become not only an internationally acclaimed showcase for the kingpins of today’s jam-band scene, but also a place for once-in-a-lifetime collaborations by artists from a wide range of musical genres - Sinead O’Connor and Burning Spear, John Mayer and Buddy Guy, Travis Tritt and the Disco Biscuits to name a few.
Continuing to combine his love of music, film, the environment, and cutting edge technology, Shapiro is now developing the most high-profile projects of his career. He is the Founder and Executive Producer of America’s largest Earth Day event, the Green Apple Festival, which took place in eight cities simultaneously on April 20th, 2008 and attracted approx. 200,000 attendees. Peter was a Producer of U23D, the first live action film to be filmed and exhibited in Digital 3D.
Shapiro’s interest and involvements also extend beyond the stage and screen. He is a Co-Funder of the environmental consulting firm GreenOrder and is a Founding Board Member of Headcount, the largest event-based voter registration organization in America. Peter is also a Co-Owner of The Slipper Room, a popular downtown NYC performance venue.
What environmental issue(s) do you consider to be the most critical at this time?
Emissions and carbon footprint issues are the greatest challenge that we face. A recent report has shown that the global population will be 7 billion by 2012. The question is how do you meet the energy demands of 7 billion people and still protect the natural resources on earth while still allowing for people to live a modern life. How do we create energy without using coal and nuclear and how quickly can solar ramp up? This is a fundamental issue. There are a lot of hard choices that all sides need to make…not just consumers, but environmentalists as well. There’s the practical decisions that need to be made of how to produce enough energy to fulfill our needs while doing so with the least amount of impact on the environment.
What has inspired you to combine environmental activism with your music?
Larry Bloch, the original founder of The Wetlands in 1989 showed me the power, impact, and effectiveness of bringing environmental awareness, issues, and direct activism into a live music environment and bring the issues to where youth are. Larry created the model in an effective way and I felt fortunate then, to continue it ,and continue to do it today while taking if further. Green Apple is just an extension of that regional Wetlands concept.
Where is your favorite place in nature to go to find solace or inspiration?
I love Central Park. I find that the best thing about the mobile life that we live in today is that it enables someone like me to take their office wherever they go. When I am at my busiest, such as when we were planning for Green Apple, I go to Central Park and take my Blackberry with me and walk among the trees and grass while I am working.
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Rockin' the Earth on Summer Tour: Photo
Team Rock the Earth @ Summer Camp 2008: Mimi, RtE Summer Tour interns Ryan
and Virginia, Chandra and RtE Executive Director Marc Ross with Birdy.
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