Rock the Green 2017 announces Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Sustainability music festival returns to Milwaukee on Sept. 9
MILWAUKEE – June 22, 2017 – Rock the Green, a local nonprofit with a mission to educate and empower the community to take actionable steps to live sustainably, announced Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will headline the fourth sustainability festival, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, returning to Reed Street Yards in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point area. The complete festival lineup will be announced July 12.
“We are thrilled to have such iconic artists like Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals headlining the main stage this year,” said Lindsay Stevens Gardner, founder and executive director of Rock the Green. “Ben is a well-known environmental activist whose beliefs align perfectly with Rock the Green’s mission.”
Beginning with his 1994 debut, Welcome To The Cruel World, Harper released eight studio albums over a 15-year span. This extraordinary run, featuring contributions from The Innocent Criminals, established him as a songwriter and performer with range across multiple genres.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals has since received Gold and Platinum certifications overseas, sold-out international tours and Top 10 U.S. debuts, along with a number of TV appearances featuring its eclectic mix of blues, folk, soul, reggae and rock music.
Tickets are now available online and are $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP admission. Each ticket comes with a Canned Water 4 Kids refillable aluminum water bottle for use at the Badger Meter free fresh water stations throughout the festival grounds.
“Rock the Green sets a great example for other organizations in the community of what actionable steps toward sustainability look like,” Mayor Tom Barrett said. “The City of Milwaukee is happy to support Rock the Green with its fourth annual sustainability festival.”
Rock the Green welcomes an abbreviated list of returning sponsors to the 2017 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.
New and notable sponsors are Hills Brothers Coffee featuring a compostable coffee pod and Rishi Tea who will showcase their new kegged Craft Brew Sparkling Teas & Botanicals.
Rock the Green is a Travel Green-certified event. Last year the festival’s zero waste efforts set a new record by diverting 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 UK-based, A Greener Festival Organization.
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 18 local environmental nonprofits in the Eco-Champs space.
Visit www.rockthegreen.com for sponsorship opportunities and festival updates. Stay in the know and follow Rock the Green on social media:
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 feather-light 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.
