Tales From the Road

Fresh from Bonnaroo, Rock the Earth went to Cincinnati for a Dave Matthews Band show in a classic amphitheatre. It was a nice-weather day that quickly turned into thunderstorms with tornado warnings. With the assistance of some friendly fans to help hold down the booth, it ended up being a great show anyway. Next up for team Rock was a trip north to Saratoga, New York, for a pair of Phish shows. With great weather and fine music, the crowd was friendly and receptive. Two Midwest Dave Matthews band shows followed: a minor league baseball stadium in Columbus, Ohio, and a forested amphitheatre in Clarkston, Michigan; the shows featured Martin Sexton as an opening act.

It wasn’t too far from there to Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, held the end of June in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rock the Earth was there to talk to the Tom Petty crowd, with none other than the legendary ZZ Top in support. A classic rock winning combination that fans went crazy for!

The Rock the Earth tour kicked off July with Dave Matthews Band in Camden, New Jersey, with great weather. That weather followed us to Alpine Valley, Wisconsin, for a patriotic weekend of Dave Matthews band shows with Zac Brown Band opening – it was an all-American shindig!! From there the tour went to Toledo, Ohio, for an intimate show co-headlined by Moe. and Umphrey’s McGee. The show featured a historical encore: the first time the entirety of Umphrey’s McGee and Moe. have been on stage together at the same time! Still stoked by that encore, Team Rock embarked upon a Pennsylvania run of Dave Matthews shows in the stadiums of Hershey and Pittsburgh. With an upcoming East Coast run of Jack Johnson shows and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers dates following, it is a very busy July!

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Our Big “Fracking” Problem

What is Marcellus Shale and Hydraulic Fracturing?

Marcellus shale is a rock formation approximately 8000 feet underground that contains natural gas. This gas rich formation lies on the western side of the Appalachian mountain chain and extends from Kentucky to New York. Industry estimates that this is one of the largest finds of natural gas ever. Of particular interest is the fact that this deposit lies in close proximity to the densely populated areas of the eastern seaboard, making gathering and transmitting to customers less costly.

Industry and geologists have known about the Marcellus shale for a long time, however until recently the technology did not exist to extract the resource. Historically gas was extracted from sands or other coarse material by a vertical well. Because gas can freely move through sand, a well was simply drilled into the target area and the resource was extracted. Over the years the low-hanging fruit, or easily extractable resources, have all been removed, while at the same time our demand for energy has continued to increase. In order to keep up with demand, industry has developed evermore rigorous ways of extracting natural resources from increasingly hard to get to places.

Shale is a sedimentary rock that is primarily formed from clay and silt. The gas is trapped inside the rock structure and as a result can not be extracted by conventional means. The rock must be fractured in order to create the free spaces necessary for gas to exit. Industry achieves this by injecting large amounts of water into the well to increase pressure to the point where the rock literally breaks apart. Once the rock has been fractured the excess water “flows back” and the gas can be captured. 

Why are Marcellus Shale and Hydraulic Fracturing environmental concerns?

Hydraulic fracturing is a concern for several reasons. From a resource use standpoint it takes approximately four million gallons of water to fracture one well. Industry has stated that their goal is to achieve a one well per 40-acre spacing (from Kentucky through New York). This creates a tremendous demand on local surface and ground waters.

Secondly, the flow back water must be dealt with. Although not all of the frac water flows back, and some is retained in the rock, there is still a significant amount generated per well. Calling this material “water” is a misnomer. During the fracturing process, a literal soup of potentially toxic chemicals are sent down hole. All of this material is then brought back up the surface under high pressure, and must be captured and treated.  Another type of liquid generated from this process is known as “production water” and is the water that was trapped with the rock during geologic formation millions of years ago. Like the flow back water, this too must be captured and addressed. Even though production water is naturally occurring, it is no less hazardous to the environment. It has an extremely high salt content and contains low levels of radioactive materials. It is for these reasons that the State of New York has established a ban on hydraulic fracturing of Marcellus Shale for fear that it may severely impact surface drinking water supplies.

Currently industry can either dispose of this material by deep well injection (mostly at sites in Ohio) or by “reusing” it to fracture the next well. Conventional public treatment plants simply are not designed to accept and treat the wastes generated from the Marcellus industry. Although the technology exists to effectively treat the water, the technology is not being widely applied in the industry for cost reasons.

Not Just an Eastern Problem

Although Marcellus is garnering national attention because of its size, the potential dangers of hydraulic fracturing are by no means limited only to Pennsylvania, West Virgina and New York. The same type of extraction techniques are employed throughout Texas, Oklahoma and the Rockies. The recent HBO documentary Gasland chronicles one man’s journey through the nation’s shale gas-producing regions. From exploding tap water in Dimock, Pennsylvania, to bad air quality in Dish, Texas, the common theme is a trail of fouled drinking water wells in the wake of fracking machines. 

Due to the level of concern, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a series of public meetings in Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado and New York. The input gathered from these meetings will be used to design a study specific to hydraulic fracturing, and ultimately to draft regulations. 

You can submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency via e-mail at hydraulic.fracturing@epa.gov. Written comments may also be sent to EPA at the following address: Jill Dean, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Mailcode 4606M, Washington, DC 20460.

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RtE Executive Director Departs

After a year and a half of service, we bid Rock the Earth Executive Director Shawn Kilmurray farewell. Shawn took the helm of RtE during a very challenging time in the organization’s history, creating and expanding several key programs. Through Shawn’s ingenuity and persistence, he elevated the RtE brand and broadened the appeal of the organization, exposing RtE to a whole new world within the music industry as well as creating new avenues for funding.

In particular, among the many accomplishments of the organization under Shawn’s direction, three initiatives stand out:

Green Screens Presented By Rock the Earth

Featuring award-winning films focused on some of the most urgent and pressing environmental issues, this film series was an overwhelming success at the festivals where the series was presented – in particular, in Bonnaroo’s Cinema Tent. Between 2009 and 2010, we debuted two major films prior to their national distribution (Gasland and Earth Days), we featured an Academy Award winning film (The Cove), and we had artists and other well-known activists introduce the films or participate in post-film discussions, such as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., John Popper of Blues Traveler, Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee, and Ben Sollee.

Cellular Telephone Recycling Campaign

In 2009, Rock the Earth collected over 3,000 cellular telephones for recycling and we are already looking to surpass that number this year. Developing partnerships with companies like Musictoday, Gibson Guitar Corp., Pace Butler, and Subway, as well as with festivals and artists such as Bonnaroo, Summer Camp, Mountain Jam, and the Allman Brothers Band, Rock the Earth kept hundreds of pounds of toxic materials out of landfills and so from threatening drinking water supplies. This innovative program not only resulted in measurable environmental impact, but also in tremendous media and public relations attention, as well as helped to diversify our income stream.

Increased Public Relations Exposure

As mentioned, while both the Green Screens and cell phone recycling campaigns resulted in increased public relations exposure for the organization, it was Shawn’s efforts to spread the RtE gospel that also made headlines – so much so that for the first time, we needed to dedicate an entire page to our Publicity and Communications Accomplishments in our 2009 Annual Report. In addition, our Social Networking efforts greatly increased under Shawn, reaching thousands of new and old constituents regularly using Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

 I am happy to have been able to help advance Rock the Earth’s brand recognition within the music community and to help provide a value-add to our festival partners through the development of Green Screens and mobile phone recycling. From activating high-level music industry executives and developing alliances with new music partners like The Pretenders, Bad Company, Crosby Stills & Nash, Lilith Fair, Phish, Widespread Panic, Doobie Brothers, and the Virgin Mobile Festival, and securing the public support of Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera and other top artists, we have been able to strengthen our brand equity, develop strategic alliances, and strengthen our public relations. We also expanded our education & outreach platform into key markets on a year-round basis.

2009-10 has been a challenging year for everyone, especially non-profits, however, we were successful in strengthening the organization’s economic foundation, expanding membership numbers, and developing corporate partnerships with companies such as Gibson Guitar, Subway, Live Nation, Colorado Mammoth, AEG Live, D’Addario, Merrell Shoes and Ben & Jerry’s to produce a record number of positive impressions across the country. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the Rock the Earth vision and will continue to support the organization looking ahead.

Shawn’s last date as Executive Director will be July 31, 2010, but intends to stay involved in Rock the Earth. Meanwhile, we are currently seeking applicants for the Executive Director position. A job description and application instructions can be found Here.

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Bonnaroo Solar Stage Part Deux

As reported last month, Rock the Earth created much of the programming for the Solar Stage in Planet Roo, the village that houses non-profit organizations and eco-friendly vendors at Bonnaroo music festival. The sessions, moderated by Rock the Earth Board President Marc Ross, all centered on the theme of "Social Change Through Music" and included panelists like 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). We also conducted one-on-one interviews with Sam Williams, Julia Nunes and Jerry Greenfield (Ben & Jerry’s).  To listen, go here>>

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Member Benefits: Guayakí Yerba Mate

One of the many benefits of a Rock the Earth membership is 20% off Guyakí Yerba Mate products. Guayakí sells organic, fair trade yerba mate in tea bags or as loose tea, as mate latte concentrates and bottled iced mate drinks, and Guayakí sells mate gourds and bombillas. Guayakí partners with small farmers and indigenous communities to source mate from the sub-tropical forests of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Yerba mate is an infusion, brewed from the dried leaves and stems of the tree, and is consumed by millions of South Americans as a healthful alternative to coffee.

Uniquely grown in its native forest environment, yerba mate is cherished as a sacred beverage. Like high-quality coffee, high quality mate is shade-grown in the rich ecosystem of the rainforest, delivering more flavor and nutritional value. The leaves of the rainforest mate tree naturally contain 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and abundant antioxidants.

Guayakí’s environmental and sustainability initiatives have been recognized by both the industry and community. Packaging and paper materials are made with recycled post-consumer waste materials. Virtually all waste generated by Guayakí is either recycled or salvaged. Guayakí has converted its entire operation to 100% renewable energy by transferring all of its conventional electrical power usage to renewable solar energy.

To see a list of all Rock the Earth membership benefits go here>>

To find out how you can take advantage of these members-only benefits, write to info@rocktheearth.org.

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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 your time, and applaud you for your contributions: Aaron Paul, Amy Makowiecki, Andy Slack, Annie Moore, Ashley Myers, Brandi Honeycutt, Brett Angstadt, David Wrighton, Debbie Crockett, Derek Bedarf, Don Richards, Elyce Turner, Erin Tracey, Gus Colom, Jacob Quintana, Jeff Eaton, Jen Holsapple, Jessica Scheeter, Joe Laws, Kristen Nolan, Lisa Giles, Lisa Shara, Lois Schreiner, Mary Klauzer, Morgan Gantz, Nicole Ravis, Peter Raspler, Rebecca Sparks, Ryan Farrell, Sandra Blasingim, Stephanie White, Suzanne Kuder, Tim Shortle, Tori Beninate, Vince Iwinski, Sara Cabin, Wendy McDermott and Will Anderson.

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What Rocks Your Earth: Nick Forster

eTown host and co-executive producer Nick Forster is no stranger to the world of music. His illustrious career as a professional musician spans 25 years, including his time as a member of the world renowned bluegrass band Hot Rize, as a sideman with popular artists like David Wilcox and Michelle Shocked, and as leader of the highly respected, talented eTown house band, the etones.

Founded in 1991, eTown is a nationally syndicated radio show heard weekly on over 270 public, community and commercial stations across North America and via podcast. eTown is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to educate, entertain and inspire a diverse audience, through music and conversation, to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world. Every eTown show is taped in front of a live audience and features performances from many of today’s top musical artists as well as thought-provoking interviews and the presentation of the E-Chievement Award recognizing everyday people who have made a difference in their community or beyond.

For the fourth year in a row, eTown is back at Red Rocks, featuring great live music under spectacular skies at the world’s best – and greenest – natural arena. eTown’s “Green Rocks at Red Rocks” will feature full concert sets, this year from special guests and long-time eTown supporters, Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, and Taj Mahal, on Friday, July 30. In keeping with eTown’s long-held values, the organization will be offering free, environmentally friendly transportation to the show with biodiesel shuttle buses running from Boulder and Denver (participants must sign up – space is limited). Once at Red Rocks, eTown Square will feature information tables, demonstrations and eco-products related to alternative fuels, recycling and other green initiatives. eTown will offset its energy use at the concert and will be offering incentives for carpoolers (with four or more in a car).

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

Energy! Every issue that we care about – climate change, forest destruction, loss of habitat, ocean acidification, species extinction, denigration of arable land, desertification – and on and on – has a connection to, or is a direct result of, an antiquated approach to energy generation. Conservation, lowering our carbon footprint, innovation and design, development of renewable energy sources and CLAIMING this issue as a rallying cry for American industry would go a long way towards helping stem the tide of the devastation that the fossil fuel era has wrought. AND, we need the political will to stand up to big oil and the ignorance of the American people, to educate and legislate around this issue. If gas goes to $10 per gallon, we'll make some changes. People will hate it, and poor people will suffer – so it's not easy. But, it has to happen. Energy costs must begin to reflect their True costs! 

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

There is a lot to do, and I have children and now a granddaughter who is 8. I do this work because it's the right thing to do given my particular skills and my opportunity to reach a large audience through music. But I really do this work for my granddaughter and her generation who will suffer the consequences of our actions much more directly than I will. We need to have fun, to entertain and put on great shows. We don't need to preach all the time, but we do have an obligation as public people to share our values with our audience. 

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

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Stay Connected

Rock the Earth invites you to follow our musings and up-to-the-minute events and issues coverage at www.Twitter.com/RocktheEarth, and become a fan of Rock the Earth on Facebook to stay updated on the most notable news stories, photos and events in the Rock the Earth realm.

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