Bonnaroo Bonanza

For the fifth year in a row, Rock the Earth played a major role in providing programming at Bonnaroo. This year’s festival drew fans from across the country and around the world to Manchester, TN to witness performances by Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, the Avett Brothers, the Flaming Lips, Tori Amos, and many more.  Highlights included Conan O’Brien, John Prine with Old Crow Medicine Show, Chromeo with Daryl Hall, Ween, Kris Kristofferson, Rise Against and a sunrise set by the Disco Biscuits.

Dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable and healthy living, Bonnaroo promoter (and Rock the Earth Advisory Board member) Rich Goodstone of Superfly Presents, asked Rock the Earth to create much of the programming for the Solar Stage in Planet Roo, the village housing non-profit organizations and eco-friendly vendors.   The sessions, moderated by Rock the Earth Board President Marc Ross, all centered on the theme of "Social Change Through Music." Panelists included Nick Forster (Hot Rize, eTown), Tim McIllrath (Rise Against),  Raul Pacheco (Ozomatli), Ben Wilson (Blues Traveler),  Vince Iwinski (Umphrey’s McGee/VIP Management, Green Apple Music Festival), Raleigh Hoke (Gulf Restoration Network), Shannon Foley (Love Hope Strength), Lindsey Simerly (Dogwood Alliance), Sarah Bush (Bonnaroo Gardens), Julie Johnson (Appalachian Voices), Paul Diaz (Tree Sound Studios, Rock Star Farms), Bonnie Monteleone (Algalita), Charles Hambleton (The Cove, The Samples), Ruthie Morrison (Greenpeace), and even a surprise, mid-panel performance by Blues Traveler’s John Popper, who, so moved by the Sat. panel, jumped up on stage to perform a solo harmonica version of the Star Spangled Banner.

Rock the Earth’s Storyteller sessions featured Diane Birch, Julia Nunes, and Here’s to the Long Haul, in Solar Stage performances combining music, the stories behind each song’s development, and the meaning of the lyrics.  These unique, one-of-a-kind performances by crowd favorites delivered some of the best under-the-radar highlights of the entire weekend – definitely something that should not be missed by concert-goers next year.  In addition, Rock the Earth’s work on the Solar Stage also included on-stage interviews with Jerry Greenfield (Ben & Jerry’s), Chris Crowell (Bonnaroo’s head of concessions and Planet Roo), and main stage performer Sam Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation)

In its second year, “Green Screens Presented by Rock the Earth” drew standing room-only crowds to the festival’s Cinema Tent each day.  Kicking things off Thursday afternoon with an introduction by Rock the Earth Executive Director Shawn Kilmurray were screenings of Gasland and The World Ocean: Trashed.   Friday afternoon, Sacred Earth/Good Food featured a post movie Q&A with Sara Bush and Anne Bedarf (Bonnaroo Victory Garden).  On Saturday, Ryan Stasik (Umphrey’s McGee) introduced the double-bill of Strange Days on Planet Earth 2: Dirty Secrets and Our Synthetic Sea after which Bonnie Monteleone (USS Algalita) led a Q&A session. On Sunday afternoon, Blues Traveler’s John Popper introduced the Academy Award winning film, The Cove, after which Associate Director Charles Hambleton was on hand to lead a post-film discussion.     

Thousands of people visited the Rock the Earth booth over the course of the festival to learn more about the issues, to explore how they could contribute to the effort, and just to say “hello.” Our volunteer team (Tim Shortle, Jamie Schafer, Sandra Blasingim, Ryan Farrell, Zahra Long, Terence Long, Pete Sabo and Martin Shapiro), sincerely thanks Chris Crowell, Nick Algee, Kerry Black, Lisa Brown, Robyn Delman, Jill Gooch, James Gooch, Rich Goodstone, Sherrie Hannah, Tom Russell and everyone else at Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment; These fine folks generously contributed resources and infrastructure in support of Rock the Earth’s effort to “sow the seeds of thought” and to hopefully educate and engage Bonnaroo festival goers in Rock the Earth’s mission, and to inspire them to Defend the Planet One Beat at a Time. 

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RtE Advisory Board Update: Welcome Danny Louis

This month, we’re very pleased to welcome the newest member to RtE’s Advisory Board, Danny Louis.  Danny is a composer and multi-instrumentalist and a member of the highly respected and widely acclaimed jamband Gov’t Mule. He is featured on keyboards, guitar, and trumpet as well as co-writer of numerous Gov’t Mule songs. Their legendary live performances and new album “By a Thread” have been gaining them much notoriety worldwide. In addition Danny is now a member of the band Stockholm Syndrome which is currently touring and planning an album release in the coming year.  Also, recently Danny has been performing with Hall of Fame rockers Cheap Trick in their live recreations of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album and he is featured on their latest live DVD/CD release.

Throughout his career Danny has recorded and/or performed with many other major artists  including Joe Cocker, UB-40, The Kinks, The Cars, Greg Allman, The Allman Brothers Band, Joan Osborne, Rosanne Cash, Coheed and Cambria, Levon Helm, just to name a few. In addition, Danny has composed both songs and scores for dozens of TV shows, feature films and major ad campaigns.

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The Summer Festival Season and Mobile Phone Recycling Efforts Continue

Rock the Earth is continuing its mobile phone recycling initiative for upcoming festivals, encouraging all concert-goers to drop off their old phones and to spread the word! This summer we will have recycling boxes at Summer Camp, Del Fest, Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo, High Sierra, All Good, Floyd Fest, Gathering of the Vibes and Outside Lands.  RtE will also be giving away great rewards for helping create a more sustainable environment.  This includes our Tom Petty online drive for July, wherein we’ll award a signed copy of TP’s new album Mojo. 

Our goal has been to inform consumers on the dangers of improperly disposed cell phones.  There are almost two billion out-of-use phones in the USA alone, adding up to almost five for every man, woman and child.  Each phone contains toxic levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and other carcinogenic materials that are known to cause cancer, leukemia, Hodgkins disease and birth defects.  So far this year we have collected about 1,500 mobile phones at Summer Camp, Mtn. Jam, Del Fest & Bonnaroo.  We also appreciate the help we’ve received from the Colorado Mammoth, the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers, and fans like you!

RtE’s phone recycling also has gained the attention and support of some star power: Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Kris Allen, Daniel Merriweather and Alicia Keys have all voiced their support with special public service announcements for Rock the Earth. To listen to what they have to say, go here. 

Make sure to visit www.rtephonedrive.com for a chance to win a signed copy of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers new album MOJO!

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Tales from the Road

Team Rock 2010, led by Tim Shortle of Brooklyn, NY, kicked off 2010 RtE Summer Tour at the Summer Camp Fest in southern Illinois.  Always an enjoyable festival, this year’s event included a RtE-led mobile phone recycling drive with this year’s grand prize (2011 Summer Camp tix) won by James Nostrant.  Thanks to all of you who participated.  Special thanks to Vanessa Robinson, Jamie Bender, Jay TV Productions, and Ian and Jay Goldberg.  That same weekend, our DC/ Baltimore team, led by Rob Hillard was on hand to lead a phone recycling drive at Del Fest.  As always, an incredible time was had at THE Bluegrass festival to be at.  Special thanks go out to Debbie Crockett and Rebecca Sparks for their incredible support, and to Rob and the RtE volunteer team. 

Team Rock followed Summer Camp with New York’s Mountain Jam, Gov’t Mule’s annual fest at Hunter Mountain.  Rock the Earth engaged concert-goers through environmental education and outreach activities, and we had the pleasure of connecting with RtE Advisory Board members and earth-conscious supporters Michael Franti, Danny Louis, Grace Potter, Wally Ingram and Derek Trucks, among others.  We want to acknowledge festival promoters support and consideration for the festival mobile phone recycling drive, and hospitality fundraising activities. Special thanks to Drew Frankel, Jason Bau, Richard Fusco and Gary Chetkof.   

Rock the Earth was again proud to be a part of the three-day outdoor Mountain Jam festival featuring world-famous musicians.  Not only was the weather beautiful, but RtE was able to interest numerous visitors in our message and capture a lot of attention during our time there.

Playing a day early and unannounced, the Toots and Maytals put on an unforgettable show featuring many of their classic hits.  It was a treat for fans to see legendary reggae tunes in such an idyllic setting, which Toots noted by comparing the surroundings to his mountain home in Jamaica.  The Awareness village stage where Rock the Earth was located got treated to a rocking set by Zach Deputy, which would be followed with several other memorable performances.  Sunday brought some rain as well as a Michael Franti performance on RtE’s stage!  All in all, it was another great success for Rock the Earth’s efforts to reach out to fans.

After journeying from New York’s Catskill Mountains to Manchester, TN, Team Rock had a blast hosting performances, films and other activities at Bonnaroo.

RtE Summer Tour continues with Team Rock working shows with Crosby Stills & Nash, Phish, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Umphrey’s McGee, Jackson Browne and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, as well at summer music festivals such as All Good, Floyd Fest, Outside Lands, and more!

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Help Jack Johnson Rock the Earth!

Rock the Earth is teaming up with Jack Johnson on his 2010 To The Sea Tour and All At Once, a social action network connecting nonprofits with people who want to become active in their local and world community.  We will be present at three of his tour dates: July 13 in Holmdel, New Jersey; July 16 in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and July 17 in Columbia, Maryland.  Every dollar you donate to Rock the Earth will be matched by the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, all the way up to $2,500!  This is on top of the $1500 and numerous free tickets Jack has already generously donated to RtE.  If you are not able to attend any of these concerts, remember that direct donations to RtE will also count toward a tour-end donation.

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 other local and national non-profits. We hope to see you there!

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Member Benefit: Tad Carpenter’s Designed RtE SummerTour 2010 Poster

Become a Rock the Earth member today, and get an amazing new Summer Tour 2010 poster by artist Tad Carpenter (Vahalla Studios). Tad's work has been featured on posters for John Mayer, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Dashboard Confessional, and Neil Young, as well being the designer of the ever-popular Rock the Earth Owl and Tree t-shirts. This fine, 4-color print, measures 12"x18" and is silkscreened on 100% recycled content chipboard. Signed by the artist and numbered out of a series of only 200, this poster is sure to be a classic for both the casual and serious concert poster collector. To check out the poster, and see other membership benefits, go here.

RtE members can also purchase discounted (10% off) tickets to Floyd Fest this year.   Contact kyram@rocktheearth.org for more information.

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Volunteer Jam

Volunteer Jam provides an outlet to thank non-staff volunteers and supporters who have rocked it big time during the past month, and who have gone above and beyond in generous support of the Rock the Earth cause. 

 We want to sincerely thank each of you for giving so generously of their time, and applaud you for your contributions: Sandra Blasingim, Tad Carpenter, Jonathan Cavitt, Mimi Clayton, Andrea DeSimone, Danny Diaz, Jeff Eaton, Ryan Farrell, David French, Caroline Galloway, Gibson Guitar Corp., Allan Golden, Allie Hamby, David Hermele, Rob Hillard, Beryl Jacobsen, Ivon Jorrin, Mary Klauzer, Suzanne Kuder, Terence Long,  Zahra Long,  Annie Moore, Ashley Myers, Shira Newmark, Kevin O’Donahue, Pete Sabo, Jamie Schafer, SCI Fidelity, Martin Shapiro, Lisa Shara, Tim Shortle, Billy Sirico, Lisa Sturm, Cobin Sunderman, Reggie Tomac, Elyce Turner, Warner Music Group, Brian Zahnstecher, and Caryn Zahnstecher.

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Special Thanks to Young Americans

This month, RtE received a donation of nearly $150 from Young Americans Center for Financial Education, a non-profit organization that is committed to developing the financial literacy of young people through real-life and hands-on programs purposely designed to enable them to prosper in our free enterprise system.  Through Young Americans’ Young AmeriTowne program, 5th grade students throughout the 2009-2010 school year were taught about philanthropy alongside of basic job skills, budgeting, and civic consciousness, and donated funds to RtE matched by the Schlessman Family Foundation. We thank Young American and the Schlessman Family Foundation for their support! 

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What Rocks YOUR Earth?

Luke Quaranta, percussionist of Toubab Krewe.

1. What environmental issue(s) do you consider to be the most critical at this time?

I think climate change is the most pressing environmental issue of our time.  There are endless human and environmental challenges that stem from this phenomenon.    

Drought, extreme weather, rising sea levels, desertification of previously rich agricultural areas, etc.

And, not to mention all of the devastating effects of our dependence on burning fossil fuels for our energy needs.  

Global warming, pollution, destruction of precious eco-systems by fossil fuel exploration, gross human rights abuses across the board committed by oil companies, etc.

And of course, the issue of the day:

The biggest environmental disaster in our nation's history.  An oil gusher that continues to spew upwards of 1 million gallons of crude a day into the Gulf of Mexico as we speak. The result of an industry whose drive for maximum profits and deregulation has spoiled one of the most precious environments we have.  The grand folly of an industry riddled with corruption and an absolutely criminal world view that treats short term profits as king.

I had the unique opportunity to spend a full week from 5/10 - 5/17 on the gulf coast.  Between the final show of our tour in Tampa and our appearance at the Hangout Festival, a few of us parked our bus for three nights in St. George's Island and St. Joseph's State Parks.  The entire week on the coast, and our experience at The Hangout, was so bittersweet.  I felt very fortunate to experience the beauty of the region (maybe for the last time), yet I was devastated by the impending catastrophe.   

We must hold the oil industry accountable, we must strengthen regulations, and we must finally act as if fossil fuels are a forbidden source of energy that will be phased out ASAP.  If this tragedy in the Gulf is not a wake-up call, I don't know what will be.  


2. What has inspired you to combine environmental activism with your art? 

I think there are a few things that have really made my career in music and activism inseparable.  

My background...

I come from a family of activists.  My mother, older sister, and I have all been active on environmental and human rights issues for years.  My mother is a social worker, and I think she instilled a sense of social responsibility to me and my siblings very early on.  

My education...

I attended and graduated Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC from 1997 - 2001.  The college has a long history in environmental studies, sustainability, and activism.  It's triad system of education, (work, service, and academics), nurtures a holistic approach to education, and encourages a strong sense of social responsibility.  

I worked in the college's 6-acre organic garden for four years, and created an 'integrative studies' major called "Globalization and its Opposition".  I explored the destructive trends of globalization, and highlighted ways I was working locally to provide resistance or create alternatives to these trends.

And my travels to some of the poorest, yet culturally rich, places in the world has greatly increased my awareness of the massive wealth gap in our world.  Trips and amazing connections with people in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Guatemala, and Southern Mexico have informed my world view, and created an undeniable longing to help in any way that I am able.   

My band mates and I continue to explore ways to tithe to our teachers and their families in West Africa, and we are constantly looking for partnerships that will creatively address challenges faced in that part of the world.  For example, in conjunction with Craggie Brewing Company in Asheville, NC, Toubab Krewe has launched 'Toubab Brewe'.  All profits go to Instruments4Africa, which facilitates artistic development for underprivileged youth and works to preserve music and arts in West Africa. Our local newspaper ran the following article about it last week.  It is attached below:

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100512/NEWS/305120062/1250/

Generally, I feel that artists are usually ahead of their time when it comes to world view and culture.  Artists are exploring ideas, cultural phenomenon, fashion, etc well before the mainstream. We tend to see the world as a deeply integrated organism, and are fascinated by the places that overlap.  It is this same view of the world that is crucial element to the environmental ethic.  

I feel a deep responsibility to connect my art and activism.  

3. Where is your favorite place in nature to go to find solace or inspiration?

My favorite place to go find solace and inspiration is our National and State Parks.  It is hard for me to pick just one, but for me there is something about these protected environments that is timeless.  The creation of these places was completely ingenious at the time, and I can't imagine this country without them.  

I love Olympic National Park in Washington, Redwood National Park in Cali, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Acadia National Park in Maine, Great  Smokey Mountains National Park in NC/TN, Shenandoah in VA, Florida State Parks, Minnewaska State Park in NY, and the list goes on.    

These places, and many more, have been so important to my environmental awareness and spiritual growth.

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In Closing- Words from Bonnie Raitt

Dear Shawn and Everyone at Rock the Earth, 
 
I wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for the stunning Planet Defender Award, with which you honored me in April. It means a great deal to be acknowledged for the work I am privileged to have done over these many years in an effort to protect our Earth. Thank you for the work that you do as well and I look forward to the next opportunity we have to collaborate.
 
Warm regards,
 
Bonnie Raitt

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