Boston, MA American alternative rock band Neon Trees will headline the 21st annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest, scheduled for May 17, 2014 at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston. Presented by Whole Foods Market, the family-friendly festival is the largest free radio station concert in the country, showcasing national and local music acts, environmentally friendly products and local non-profit environmental organizations.
The only Boston stop on their current tour, Neon Trees will perform fresh off the release of their latest album Pop Psychology, available on April 22. They will be joined at Radio 92.9 EarthFest by reggae band The Wailers, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of their iconic album Legend. Echoing Radio 92.9’s commitment to showcasing new music, the festival line-up also features Morning Parade, a five-piece alternative rock band from England whose self-titled debut album was released in 2012 and Smallpools, an emerging American indie pop band.
In addition to the bands above, Radio 92.9 is looking for the best local band to open up the show. Bands were invited to submit a video and listeners can vote for their favorite band until April 28. The eight bands with the highest vote totals will be invited to participate in the semi-final live performance rounds, scheduled for April 30, 2014 at Great Scott in Allston and May 7, 2014 at Ned Devines in Boston. The five finalists will perform on May 14, 2014 at the Hard Rock Café in Boston. The winning band will have the opportunity to perform at 25-minute set as the opener of the show on May 17.
For more than 20 years, Radio 92.9 EarthFest has offered festival goers an opportunity to learn how they can make an environmental difference. This year, the festival will feature exhibits and environmental displays, staffed by sponsors and non-profit environmental organizations from New England. Each exhibitor is focused on raising awareness and offering educational information about different environmental issues facing the planet.
“Every year, we strive to create a musical festival that is also educational, environmentally friendly and frankly, just good fun for the entire family,” said Ken West, program director at Radio 92.9. “Working with partners such as Whole Foods Market and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Radio 92.9’s EarthFest has really become Greater Boston’s kick-off event for the summer. We can’t wait for this year’s show.”
In the Whole Foods Market Pavilion, individuals will learn about rooftop gardening, making meals on a budget, small space gardening and composting in the city. Oleana Chef Ana Sortun will be on hand for a cooking demonstration and the Whole Planet Foundation will explain its mission, microcredit funding and how people can get involved. Nearly two dozen companies will sample earth-friendly products along with demonstrations and other interactive activities.
A variety of local environmental groups and agencies will be onsite in the Eco-Pavilion to educate festival goers on their mission and how to help. And with the help of over 100 volunteers, Casella Waste Systems will manage a comprehensive recycling program throughout the festival, minimizing the environmental impact of the event.
Finally, Kids Planet is an interactive area designed specifically for families and children under the age of 12. Knowing that environmental responsibility starts at a young age, Kids Planet will feature a musical line-up specifically aimed at children under age 12 as well as earth-friendly activities and educational displays.
The Radio 92.9 EarthFest is produced in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR.) The DCR is steward of one of the largest state parks systems in the country. Its 450,000 acres is made up of forests, parks, greenways, historic sites and landscapes, seashores, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and watersheds. The DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell and surrounding Esplanade area is a renowned venue for free events and programs in the city of Boston.
Because the Radio 92.9 EarthFest is expected to draw a crowd of more than 100,000 people, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the free bike valet service offered by MassBike or use public transportation. The DCR Hatch Memorial Shell is accessible by MBTA. Concertgoers can take the Green Line to Arlington Street or take the Red Line to Charles Street / MGH. For more details, visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com
For more information, listen to Radio 92.9 FM or visit www.earthfest.com
About Radio 92.9
Radio 92.9 is owned and operated by Greater Media Boston, Inc., a subsidiary of Greater Media, Inc., the parent company of 21 AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey and Philadelphia markets. It also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey as well as several telecommunications towers located throughout the United States.
