Rothbury Rocks Green

Planning your green summer fun yet? If you haven’t filled up the 4th of July, check out the four day Rothbury Festival in Michigan, which boasts an all star line up of musical talent including Bob Dylan, Toots and the Maytals, Ani Di Franco, and the unforgettable Giant Panda Gorilla Dub Squad. But Rothbury isn’t your average summer music gala – it’s like a circus, summer environmental institute, medieval fair and masquerade ball, and camping extravaganza all in one. The great part is that you can partake of as much or as little as you wish – and all of the events and activities are centered around a sustainable green approach that is rare among big summer festivals. The Think Tank offers roundtables with prominent scholars, scientists, writers, youth leaders, artists, and political activists. There will be a variety of workshops on greening your job, office, home, and food as well as conversations about the larger green economy. The Epicenter offers organic food and drink, contests and fashion shows, lots of green vendors, and more opportunities for fun. Imagine starting your day with a yoga session with renowned teachers underneath Tripolee, a lighted open-air dome, then moving on to listening to an inspired talk about climate change and local initiatives. The afternoon might find you taking in some music, resting in a hammock in Sherwood forest, or watching a circus performance. Art installations, theatrical performances , first-class musical acts, and green learning opportunities abound. At night, the Sherwood Forest comes alive with an extravagant light display that unfolds as you walk past surprise performances and parties in the depths of the forest.

Rothbury is all about the communal spirit: tent and RV sites are organized around the model of a small village. For a less rustic approach, consider the VIP Good Life tickets, which include first class access to concerts, sumptuous meals, as well as air conditioned luxurious accommodations in Safari Village. Village Good Life tickets include a contribution towards reducing your personal carbon footprint and the 2008 Community Projects including, Rothbury's Sustainable Schools Program and Rothbury’s Music In Schools Program. You will also receive two free tracks from the CLIF BAR GreenNotes album benefiting environmental non-profits and featuring ROTHBURY 2008 performers including Michael Franti and Spearhead.