When Grammy-winners Alison Krauss and Union Station take the stage at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion on Friday, August 5th, bluegrass will meet green at Greenerpalooza. The fourth annual celebration of energy efficiency and green efforts in New Hampshire, Greenerpalooza is co-sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Citizens Bank in coordination with the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.
This year's Greenerpalooza headliner Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas.
“Greenerpalooza shows why Greenopia ranked New Hampshire one of the ten greenest states in the nation,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications and Legislative Director Steve Boucher, citing the ranking of states that takes into account air and water quality, recycling rates, LEED buildings, green, per capital emissions and other factors. Boucher expects 5,000 to 6,000 fans at this year’s event. “Just as music brings people together to support worthy causes, Greenerpalooza brings together dozens of ‘green’ businesses from around the state in an eco-village on Meadowbrook’s midway. These businesses showcase ways residents can ‘go green’ by adopting more environmentally-friendly practices and by using green products and services produced right here in New Hampshire.”
Public Service of New Hampshire was a founding sponsor of the event. The state’s largest electric utility, PSNH has increased its share of renewable energy to include the highest percentage of any major utility in New England. According to Pat McDermott, PSNH’s Economic & Community Development Manager, “We see Greenerpalooza as a terrific way to build awareness of issues like recycling and making energy efficiency improvements. They’re simple, cost effective ways to make a big difference in protecting the environment. We’ve seen the impact at PSNH: Since 2003, our customers have reduced air emissions by more than 4.5 million tons by participating in PSNH’s portfolio of energy-efficiency programs. That’s equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 850,000 cars. Plus these programs have saved customers more than $1 billion.”
Co-sponsor Citizens Bank believes that encouraging sustainability fits in well with their corporate mission.
“At Citizens Bank, we believe a good bank takes seriously its commitment to the communities it serves, which is why we are honored to once again partner with the NH Division of Economic Development and PSNH to showcase eco-friendly initiatives at Greenerpalooza this summer,” said Citizens Bank President Joseph J. Carelli.
The Music and the Message
Boucher says Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, which prides itself on being environmentally conscious, is the ideal venue for Greenerpalooza. Meadowbrook offers artists the option of producing completely green stage shows by using a biodiesel-fueled generator that’s capable of producing enough power for even the biggest national touring acts. The venue’s food service uses recyclable/compostible cups and plates made from corn, while the office uses recycled materials for as many office supplies as possible. Meadowbrook even reserves its first parking lot for attendees who carpool with at least four people per vehicle.
“What makes Meadowbrook unique is this beautiful location on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee,” explains Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Marketing Director Chris Lockwood. “It gives us a real appreciation for the environment. That’s why incorporating green practices and technology just makes sense to us.”
Each year, Meadowbrook has booked international stars known for their environmental activism to play Greenerpalooza. Past acts have included Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat (2010), Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin (2009), and Crosby, Stills and Nash (2008). This year’s headliner, Alison Krauss and Union Station, who released their acclaimed new record, “Paper Airplane,” in April, are long-time environmental advocates. Krauss, who has won 26 Grammy awards, is well-known for playing benefit concerts for environmental causes, including for the Natural Resources Defense Council in support of their work against mountaintop-removal coal mining, which has had a devastating effect on communities in Appalachia. The second stage act, the Adam Ezra Group, are also activists, contributing 25% of their touring to benefit causes in communities across the country and worldwide.
Tickets to Greenerpalooza, which includes entry into the eco-village, are available online at www.meadowbrook.net. To learn more about the latest happenings with Greenerpalooza, visit the Greenerpalooza IV Facebook page at www.facebook.com/greennh. A limited number of vendor slots for green businesses are still available for $200; please contact Dawn Escabi at dawn.escabi@dred.state.nh.us or 603-271-2591.
Ober was recognized for his 25 years of non-profit leadership, public policy expertise and dedication to sustainable energy. As the NH Charitable Foundation’s Vice President of Civic Leadership and Communications, he works to unite public and private partners to address the state’s most significant challenges including energy policy, affordable housing, transportation, state park management, substance abuse, and deliberative democracy.
Ocean Bank and Public Service of New Hampshire, in coordination with the New Hampshire Business Resource Center and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, will present Greenerpalooza II, a celebration of New Hampshire’s energy efficiency efforts. Set against the backdrop of the much-anticipated Jackson Browne concert, the evening’s festivities will include a special “eco village” on the Meadowbrook midway where New Hampshire businesses and members of the general public will be able to learn how to “go greener.”