Rock the Green announces 2017 festival lineup
Sustainability music festival will feature a mix of local and national acts on Sept. 9
MILWAUKEE – (July 20, 2017) – The 4th Rock the Green Sustainability Festival announced that headliner Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will be joined by acts Barns Courtney, Mondo Cozmo, Baio, and Reyna. In addition, Milwaukee artists D’Amato, Klassik, Devil Met Contention, Evan Christian and Girls Rock MKE will perform the festival, which will be held from 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Reed Street Yards in Walker’s Point.
Rock the Green is a nonprofit organization with the mission of educating and empowering the community to take actionable steps toward sustainable living.
“Supporting sustainability and green initiatives is extremely important to me, so the opportunity to headline this festival is a perfect fit,” said Ben Harper. “I believe taking care of the environment is not a spectator sport; everybody needs to do their part. I am happy to be part of a festival that works to raise awareness and promote action.”
With their eclectic mix of blues, folk, soul, reggae and rock music, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals have received Gold and Platinum certifications overseas, performed sold-out international tours and released Top 10 U.S. debuts, along with making a number of TV appearances.
Born in the UK but raised in Seattle, Barns Courtney was spotted by The Libertines' Carl Barat, with whom he's collaborated on a track. He was announced as an opener for Ed Sheeran’s 2017 tour following the success of his hit song Fire. Courtney recently released his EP The Doll Drums and is currently working on a full-length album.
Mondo Cozmo burst onto the scene when his single Shine jumped to No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Songs chart. That led to the Philadelphia-born, Los Angeles-based artist’s first full length album Plastic Soul, expected to be released on August 4th. Mondo Cozmo recently joined Bastille on their arena tour and made his late-night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! .
Chris Baio, well known for his role as the bass player in the New York-based band VampireWeekend, celebrates a successful solo career. Baio is currently touring in support of his second album, Man of the World, featuring boisterous synth pop melodies.
REYNA consists of sisters Victoriah and Gabriela Banuelos, who previously played in Vic and Gab, one of Milwaukee’s most popular acts. The duo’s latest project delivers emotive, synth-pop anthems with catchy vocal harmonies.
Milwaukee singer-songwriter and award-winning flamenco guitarist Evan Christian will return to the festival for the second straight year, performing on both the main stage and the pedal-powered side stage.
Other local acts performing on the pedal-powered stage include D’Amato, Klassik, Devil Met Contention and two bands from Girls Rock MKE, a summer day camp where girls aged 8 to 16 learn to write and play music.
Tickets are available online and are $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP admission. Each ticket comes with a Canned 4 Water refillable aluminum water bottle for use at the Badger Meter free fresh water stations throughout the festival grounds.
Rock the Green is a Travel Green-certified event. Last year the festival’s zero waste efforts set a new record by diverting greater than 90 percent of the event’s waste from landfills. This percentage translates to 1.55 ounces per guest, bringing it closer to its ultimate goal of a zero waste music festival. Rock the Green has been recognized as one of the greenest music festivals in the world by the UK-based organization, A Greener Festival.
Returning highlights from the festival include the Eco-Kids stage and interactive areas with children’s activities, programming and music; locally grown, sustainable and healthy cuisine in the Farm to Fork area; and a gathering of local environmental nonprofits in the Eco-Champs space.
Rock the Green welcome returning sponsors for the 2017 Sustainability Festival including Badger Meter, Harley-Davidson, WE Energies, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Leinenkugels, Godfrey & Kahn, 88Nine RadioMilwaukee, City of Milwaukee, Goodwill Industries and many more.
Visit www.rockthegreen.com for sponsorship opportunities and festival updates. Stay in the know and follow Rock the Green on social media: • Facebook: RocktheGreen • Twitter: @rtgMKE • Instagram: @rockthegreen
About Rock the Green Rock the Green is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering the community to take actionable steps to live sustainably. Rock the Green accomplishes its mission through engagement and entertainment. Leveraging near-zero waste efforts, Rock the Green produces engaging events with a minimal eco-footprint. Rock the Green educates through example, through spotlighting other environmental leaders in communities and by sharing experiences and eco-education with our fans. For more information about Rock the Green, go to www.rockthegreen.com.
