The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Peter Strong Eric Nordby and Brian Mosher, along with the rest of the their band Norman, opened the Rock Our World Concert on Tuesday night in the MU ballroom.

A packed crowd filled the MU Ballroom last night as Rock Our World, a concert, sustainability fair and environmental art show educated the community on environmental issues and concerns.

The event - in conjunction with the ASOSU Environmental Affairs Task Force, MUPC and the personal efforts of Matt Jager, a senior in music production - featured four bands, more than 10 informational booths and eight art pieces all relating to the efforts both the OSU community and city of Corvallis can make to better the environment.

"I've had this idea in my head for over two years now," Jager said. "I had no idea ASOSU was doing a project on the same exact thing I had been envisioning. It was perfect."

Rock Our World had been in planning since fall 2006. The overall goal was to raise awareness in hopes of gaining support for the new proposed $8.50-per-term "green fee" to convert the OSU campus to renewable sources of energy while eliminating the current use of coal.

"I hope people will see all the opportunities that are possible to make a difference," Jager said. "The opportunities are out there."

The whole event was voluntary, Jager said. All four bands agreed to participate for free, as did the businesses and organizations which presented information at the fair.

"I really appreciate all of the donated time and talent," he said. "It really shows a lot about a community."

The bands featured Tuesday night included Norman, Sweater Club, The Badfish Band and Stairway Denied, with a special appearance by the seven-piece Raging Grannies. Jager is a singer and guitarist for Sweater Club.

"The event is supporting and combining with other university groups to promote to a larger and broader audience," said Trevor Schmidt, an MUPC events coordinator. "This mission and proposal is a big step for OSU - the task force has done a great job ironing out all the details."

"We're here to promote energy campaign," said Andrea Norris, director of the Environmental Affairs Task Force. "We're here so people can talk with us one-on-one and sign up for the petition, listservs and informational meetings."

Continued...

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