The New Southwest / Solar Rock is a Tucson tradition

Solar Rock is a Tucson tradition

By Torey Ligon

Tucson Green Times – February 2010

In 2007, when a group of concerned citizens got together to do something about climate change, they never imagined that their idea would become a Tucson tradition. And yet, as the Solar Rock Festival enters its fourth year, it has already made its way onto the annual Tucson event calendars. Along with many other great Tucson events, Solar Rock is a testament to the impact that a small group of individuals can have when they decide to organize to bring the community together.

Back in 2007, four Tucson individuals resolved to do something about the urgent climate crisis. They were inspired by a national movement called Step It Up that called on individual citizens to hold unique community events to demand that Congress “Step it up” and “Cut carbon 80% by 2050.”   It turns out that hundreds of other people in hundreds of other communities were similarly inspired.

In 1,400 places around this nation, people held creative events to call on Congress to support climate change legislation. In Key West, Florida, for example, divers met underwater to hold up signs asking Congress to save our coral reefs. In Juneau, Alaska, people met at the Mendenhall Glacier to ask Congress to protect our remaining frozen glaciers. In Tucson, Arizona, thousands of community members attended a solar powered concert and rally to promote renewable energy.  In all 50 states, people held rallies large and small with messages unique to their local areas.

Since its inception, Solar Rock has continued to bring the community together to promote solar power in our region. Each year, this outdoor concert features a fantastic lineup of local bands. The event also includes a diverse collection of speakers talking about the importance of renewable energy including local politicians, local business leaders, University of Arizona scientists, and sustainability advocates. Past speakers have included Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Congressman Raul Grijalva, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Paul Newman, Dr. Jonathan Overpeck, Dr. Joaquin Ruiz, Pima County Supervisor Richard Elias, State Representative Steve Farley, members of the Tucson City Council and Brad Lancaster.

In addition to the concert, Solar Rock hosts a green fair with exhibits from local businesses, non-profits and government agencies that promote solar power and sustainability. In past years, prospective solar panel shoppers have enjoyed the opportunity to talk to representatives from all the local solar power companies to compare and contrast offerings. Everyone at the event can learn more about solar power through live demonstrations at the GeoInnovation solar trailer as it powers the music stage. This event uses no electricity except from the power generated by their solar trailer and attempts to showcase the potential of solar in this sunny climate.

Solar Rock is a fun day for the entire family with lots of activities geared toward children including a paint-your-own organic canvas bag station, face painting, a performance from renowned children’s singer-songwriting Bruce Phillips, a visit to the Physics Factory for hands on science experimentation, and more. Adults may enjoy the Freecycle.org free-meet taking place at the fair where individuals can bring unwanted items to give away and take home new-found treasures that others have discarded. Plus, everyone can park their bike at the free bike valet station run by El Grupo Youth Cycling.

This year’s event has a special focus on promoting Tucson as The Solar City of America with speeches from Vice Mayor Rodney Glassman and Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange CEO Bob Oldfather about how Tucson can become more friendly for photovoltaic installation companies and manufacturing plants interested in locating or starting-up in this region. They will also talk about how this city can begin transitioning to generating more solar power and less coal power for government buildings, commercial properties and residential homes.

This year’s musical lineup features some of Tucson’s best local talent including: Spirit Familia, Kevin Pakulis, Drama Club, Leila Lopez, Mitzi Cowell, Bruce Phillips, Run Boy Run, and more.

The Solar Rock Festival is Saturday March, 27 from noon to 6 p.m. at Himmel Park (1000 N. Tucson Blvd.). It is free and open to the public. For more information about this year’s event including music and speaker lineups, visit online: www.SolarRockTucson.com. This event is sponsored by the Food Conspiracy Co-op and powered by GeoInnovation.

Author: Torey Ligon works as the Outreach Coordinator at Food Conspiracy Co-op, a community owned natural foods store on 4th Avenue. She has been involved in many community events in Tucson, including the Solar Rock Festival.