EarthFesting It

Last Saturday, May 22nd, local awesome radio station, 92.9, and local sometimes awesome grocery store, Whole Foods, hosted the free concert series they called "Earthfest." Earthfest was held on the lush Esplanade of the Charles River, the most perfect place to sit down and enjoy a concert in Boston. Tie-dye and teenagers ran amok, reminding me of photos I've seen from Woodstock, though happily Earthfest had both clean bathrooms and a full water supply. Another fundamental difference was the presence of many young families with little children rocking out on their parents. Notably (and deliciously), there were dozens of environmental (and pseudo-environmental) companies on hand to promote their cause and give away free food, stickers, and tattoos. Well, except for the sausage stand that was both not free and was only there, as the sausage guy told me, "bug the vegetarians."

Many concert attendees did not seem to notice nor mind that the event was held exactly a month after the real Earth Day. I like to believe that this is because people live a little bit of Earth day in their lives, everyday. But the rampant marijuana usage could have played a role in the feelings of social harmony and environmental respect, as well.

Though hailed as an event to celebrate the Earth, the free samples, many of which were encased in a nice layer of thick plastic, was a bit counter-intuitive to the event's truest aspirations. But it's hard not to feel happy and earth-loving when you're given free ice tea, bread, hummus, greek yogurt, and even (slightly randomly) green peppers. But one shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, even if that gift horse is wrapped in non-biodegradable plastic. Besides, I like to believe that Mother Earth would want me well fed, so that I am fully energized to go forth and do her bidding. Or something.

Earthfest had an awesomely rad set list if you ever were a radio lover during the years of 1989-1996. Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, and Marcy's Playground. My seven year old self was ecstatic. Sadly, the only reaction to Marcy's Playground for some was "who?" An actual conversation:

Friend: Oh, they were the people that sang that song about sex and candy or something, right? What was it called?
Me: Sex and Candy.
Friend: Right.

Excellent 90s music, free food, hours spent lounging under the sunlight (with only minimal sunburns), and a slight contact high: everyday should be earthfest.