"Green Carpet" ( Greenlight's Environmental Concert 2008)

The time has come again for Greenlight Network to stage our (second) annual fundraising concert. Last year at the JFK, U.W.I., our first annual environmental concert (Live the Pledge) was all about alternative music, featuring some of T & T's hottest local talent in that genre. Money was raised for Greenlight Network's environmental projects. Please explore the archives in this website to see what kinds of ventures we have embarked upon over time.

This year we are going classical, magical and environmental ... with "Green Carpet" ... the concert you don't want to miss: Saturday 18 October, La Joya Auditorium, Curepe, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tickets $150.

50% of the proceeds will go to Greenlight Network for our environmental projects. The balance 50% will go to Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre (WORC) to assist with vital work being done for the injured and orphaned wild animals of Trinidad and Tobago.

This one-of-a-kind evening will feature unforgettable performances by:
Caroline Mair - with her smoky, husky, alluring classic jazz style
Michelle Rudder - her nimble fingers have thrilled audiences with everything from rock and roll to Beethoven and beyond
Tobyn Pearson - this Canadian magician who will blow you away with the unbelievable tricks he's got up his sleeve

... and others! Pan, sitar, tabla, classical orchestra, limbo and more.

We hope we've tickled your fancy. Stay tuned for:
- updates on concert information and planning progress
- details on ticket sales and availability
- interviews with the performers and those behind the scenes
- ways in which you can volunteer to help

Come. We invite you to walk the Green Carpet with us.

Thank You for coming to Love is Green

Many thanks to everyone who attended Greenlight Network's event "Love is Green" at Alice Yard on Friday 15th February, 2008. This was the celebration of our two years of existence ... and our way of opening the door to our third year, where our theme is none other than LOVE.

The night was full of great vibes, great people and lots of different happenings ...

Elspeth Duncan and Dream House
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The night opened with Elspeth Duncan unveiling her DREAM HOUSE window lamp and showing the film that helped to inspire it (Invisible: Children living with HIV/AIDS). This was followed by a short presentation of the cause that arose from the making of the film: the building of a house for Veronica (the woman in the video) and her two children. Those interested in further information, a progress update or making a donation in cash or kind, can contact Elspeth at nowiswowisnow (at) yahoo (dot) com or 786-2539. Those interested in placing more dreams into the lamp can also make contact to find out where it is now and where it will be going next ...

Don't Panic
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Those in attendance were also treated to musical performances by the innovative local group Don't Panic and conscious social rapper, Malik ... two of the sixteen excellent local musical acts featured on the Greenlight Network compilation CD: NATURE OF SOUND. All proceeds from the sale of this eclectic CD go toward future Greenlight Network environmental/creative projects. Those who purchased CDs on the night must be lolling back and enjoying the environmental musical vibes wafting or pounding through their speakers. Those interested in owning a Nature of Sound CD can contact Glenford Bhagat (789-0786) to purchase their copy.

Capoeira Angola display

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Toward the end of the night, Chanzo Greenidge and his capoeira Angola group (Instituto Palmeiras gave a lively display that had everyone in the audience enraptured. Those interested in finding out more about capoeira Angola in Trinidad can contact Chanzo at institutopalmeiras (at) gmail (dot) com

The night closed off with an open mike session which brought fantastic poets and musicians out of the woodwork and into the spotlight. We need to see more of your performances! The audience seemed to really enjoy what you had to offer.

If you were there at Love is Green, feel free to leave your comment(s) on this post. We would love to hear your feedback. What did you enjoy? What suggestions do you have for improvement? What suggestions do you have for other events? What would you like to see Greenlight Network do? In what way(s) would you like to become involved with us?

More photos will no doubt be provided at some point, as there were lots of cameras clicking throughout the night. The images in this post are courtesy Agusto Murillo.

Thank You: We Lived the Pledge

The Greenlight Network banner, advertises the LIVE THE PLEDGE concert at the south gate of the University of the West Indies. The logo of major sponsor, IADB, is proudly emblazoned in the lower left corner, with the Greenlight logo on the top left. Partnering for progress!

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Thank you to every artiste who performed at Greenlight Network's environmental concert 2007: LIVE THE PLEDGE, held at the JFK Auditorium, UWI on Saturday September 29th. After getting off to a slightly late start, the show progressed steadily, featuring memorable performances of orginal music by a diverse line-up of performers.

Sheldon Manoo of Broken Mirroz renders "Detrimental", an environmental electro-rapso hit, featured on the Greenlight Network compilation CD: Nature of Sound.
(Photos: E. Duncan)
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Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and attended the show. We trust you enjoyed what was offered and had a great time. It would have been wonderful to see the seats of the hall filled to capacity with people pushing to get in even if it meant they had to stand ... but ... we'll save that thrill for next time! This year was more 'intimate'.

Don't Panic, fronted by heartthrob Winston Frederick, thrilled the audience with an acoustic set.
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Thank you to those who sold tickets, put up flyers, helped to set up on the day, manned and womanned the door, sold CDs/tickets/water/soft drinks/doubles, kept us secure (UWI security), MC'd (Mike Ross), operated the sound system, lighting, videotaped the performance and beautified the stage with recycled, festive decor.

Vashtie Dookiesingh, IADB representative, delivers a moving speech on behalf of that organisation. An IADB Cultural Development grant went a long way to making this concert possible.
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Thank you to:
(i) Our wonderful sponsors: IADB (Inter-American Development Bank), Petals & Stuff, Ryan Air, Brown & Partners Design Co. Ltd., Andes Printery.
(ii) Speakers at the concert: Vashtie Dookiesingh (IADB), Marcia Tinto, EMA), Troy Hadeed (Mystic Hemp), Terscha Singh (from Greenlight Network)!

The mermerizing tabla player of the earthy fusion band, Terranessence, immerses himself in the moment.

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And last, but not least, we thank The Great Spirit, without whom none of us and none of this would have been possible.
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P.S. So many photos were taken by so many people. As soon as we have sorted them out, we will post to the site. Stay tuned!

Be there!

Tickets are ready!

Tickets for Greenlight Network's Environmental Concert 2007: LIVE THE PLEDGE have been printed and are now physically available! We will soon be placing tickets at select locations (to be announced) ... but for now, you can call 645-0157 and arrange to pick yours up from Greenlight's headquarters - 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe.

We strongly advise you to do this, since people have already been calling and booking blocks of tickets. You want to be sure that you and your friends get yours!

Artistes, the same goes for you. No doubt your family, friends and fans want to come and give support. Make sure they secure their tickets in time.

At $40 and for a very good cause (future GLN environmental awareness-raising projects) you can't go wrong!

Please pass this message on.

Thanks!

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THE DETAILS

LIVE THE PLEDGE
When? Saturday 29 September 2007
Where? JFK Theatre, UWI, St. Augustine
What time? 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Admission? $40
All proceeds will be injected back into Greenlight's creative environmental awareness-raising projects!

This event is a 6 hour music and multimedia marathon. Bring the family and come! Enjoy, be enlightened, shake a leg or two!

Performers:
5 O'Clock Shadow
Anti Everything
Brother Resistance
Don't Panic
Elspeth Duncan
Glenford Bhagat
John Pollard
Jointpop
Malik
Mark Ng Wai
Broken Mirroz
Ozy Majic
Rahil Babooram
Tie Dye Kitty

Two surprise guest artistes!

Videos!

And more!!

Get your tickets while they're hot!

Ticket design: Brown & Partners
Printer: Andes Printery

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Tickets for the Greenlight Network Environmental Concert 2007: LIVE THE PLEDGE will be available for public purchase from the first week in September! No doubt they will be going fast, as we have already received requests for bookings. Make sure to secure your tickets now! Call Greenlight Network's headquarters: 645-0157 or e-mail us at greenlightnetwork (at) gmail (dot) com!


LIVE THE PLEDGE
When? Saturday 29 September 2007
Where? JFK Theatre, UWI, St. Augustine
What time? 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Admission? $40
All proceeds will be injected back into Greenlight's creative environmental awareness-raising projects!

This event is a 6 hour music and multimedia marathon. Bring the family and come! Enjoy, be enlightened, shake a leg or two!

Performers:
5 O'Clock Shadow
Anti Everything
Brother Resistance
Don't Panic
Elspeth Duncan
Glenford Bhagat
John Pollard
Jointpop
Malik
Mark Ng Wai
Broken Mirroz
Ozy Majic
Rahil Babooram
Tie Dye Kitty

Two surprise guest artistes!

Videos!

And more!!

LIVE THE PLEDGE concert ... an update

In order to keep the LIVE THE PLEDGE environmental concert to a tidy six hours (2 - 8 p.m.), we will be running a tight show on 29th September.

Each artiste will have 15 minutes on stage.

12 minutes for music and 3 minutes for talking about:

1. How we are living the pledge

2. Introduction of songs and anything else he/she/they may want to say

The programme will be posted for public viewing in early in September. Artistes are asked to organize schedules in order tobe available for the allotted time.

Printed tickets will be availabe from early September. Please state how many tickets you will require - to sell to your family, friends and fans. Only 400 tickets will be printed, so make sure to get yours early! Admission is $40 and all proceeds go to Greenlight Network's environmental awareness-raising projects ... like this concert!

Each ticket gives the bearer:

1. The opportunity to win an exciting hamper

2. 10% off any item at Mystic Hemp

3. The experience of an amazing environmental concert

We look forward to hearing from you -artistes and the public - with any questions or suggestions concerning LIVE THE PLEDGE: Greenlight Network's Environmental Concert 2007!

LIVE THE PLEDGE

Mitch from Greenlight Network walks by with a large piece of garbage from Sunday's beach clean up at Balandra ... organised by Mystic Hemp.
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Dear Greenlights,

Here is a recap of certain elements discussed at our meeting last Friday (to discuss the upcoming Greenlight Network environmental concert).

1. First we wish to thank those who were in attendance and gave fantastic contributions to our discussions:
- Glenford Bhagat (solo artise; founding member Greenlight Network)
- Elspeth Duncan (solo artise; founding member Greenlight Network)
- Troy Hadeed (owner of Mystic Hemp)
- Navid Lancaster (from the band Broken Mirroz)
- Mark Ng Wai (solo artiste)
- Mike Ross (musician, Radio DJ: 95.1FM)
- Anil Maharaj (from the band 5 O'Clock Shadow) 6207251
- Justin (friend of Mark Ng Wai)
- Malik

... and last but not least, the Spirit of Mother Nature who guides us in our actions.

2. It was decided that the name of the concert is to be LIVE THE PLEDGE.
The reason for this was inspired by a book available from Troy Hadeed entitled The Globl Warming Survival Handbook. Each artiste performing at the concert is being asked to start living an action that will contribute toward them reducing their negative impact upon the earth. E.g. carry your own reusable bag to the grocery instead of using their plastic bags; change the bulbs in your house to more energy efficient ones; if you drive a car, pledge to take public transport at least one day a week; collect your plastic bottles and take them to the recycling place (R.I.M.) ... and so on. These simple but effective measures add up to give the earth an ease-up. By the time the concert comes around, each artiste will be able to stand in front of the audience and speak from experience about what he or she has been doing to 'live the pledge'. Those in the audience who respect you and love listening to your music will most likely also want to follow your example(s) and start living the pledge in their own way.

Troy Hadeed will be providing an e-copy of a flyer he is distributing, containing examples of things we can do. Stay tuned ... and make your pledge!

As artistes living the pledge, we hope to encourage members of the public (our screaming fans) to do the same ... and more!

3. We discussed the creation of radio advertising for the concert. Each ad will feature an artiste saying his/her name, saying something about his/her pledge or about the environment in general ... after which information about the concert will be given.

4. There were discussions as to whether the concert could be held outdoors, rather than indoors. While all of us are in favour of an outdoor concert, it was decided that we would leave this for next year when we have more funding to enable that reality. For this year, 2007, we will have a blow-mind indoor concert.

There is still a lot of groundwork to be done. Those interested in assisting, please make contact. Call Glen at Greenlight's Headquarters: 645-0157.

Let us come together to make this a powerful show.

Merging our forces for a successful concert

Dear Greenlights,

Get ready for 6 hours of musical environmental excitement and awareness ... carded for Saturday 29th September at the JFK, UWI campus. Greenlight Network will be staging Nature of Sound 2 ... The Concert. This larger version of the concert held at TTW in April 2007 will feature all sixteen artistes from the Nature of Sound CD, as well as guest artistes and selected environmental speakers. This promises to be a one of a kind environmental extravaganza.

A meeting specifically geared toward planning of the concert will be held on Thursday July 19th, 2007 at Greenlight's Headquarters: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe from 6 p.m. on the dot.

The planning of this event will be smooth and efficient with the merging of many forces. Any Greenlight members who can commit to any of the following are asked to be present and are thanked in advance for their invaluable contribution:
1. Marketing of the concert and the CD (includes developing advertising ideas, artwork, press releases)
2. Liasing with the artistes to ensure that everyone is aware of times, requirements, etc.
3. Locating sponsors and selling them the opportunity to be a part of the venture
4. Designing backdrop and decor for the night
5. Organising sound and lights
6. Sourcing respected environmental speakers to give short (5 min max), impacting environmental messages. Liaising with these speakers to ensure smooth delivery.
7. Liaising with the media - ensuring effective press coverage and organizing radio and television interviews

... and more, to be discussed at the meeting.


Please call Glen at 645-0157 to confirm attendance and give us an idea of your area of interest. We look forward to your involvement!

In Time for You

IN TIME FOR YOU

A meditational vibrational experience.

Date: Saturday 30 June
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Venue: The Centre for the Arts, 1 DeVerteuil Street, Woodbrook (625-2843)

Bring a yoga mat or thick towel.

Admission: Free

This intimate event is a part of Greenlight Network's (resumed) once-a-month interactive happenings. It is open to anyone who wants to come. All we ask is that you be either early or on time ... (not Trini time)!

Open your mind and come for a new experience.

For more information, please call:
Elspeth - 786-2539
Glen - 789-0786

Guardian newspaper reviews Greenlight Network Concert

Newcomers Tie Dye Kitty came out with a bang, performing a strong lyrical song Ask the Dust. Photos: Angelo Marcelle

BY MARSHA MOKOOL

The Greenlight Network staged an environmental concert featuring a diverse range of artistes on Saturday to coincide with World Earth Day.

Global warming also seemed to be the unplanned theme behind the Nature of Sound Concert held at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, Woodbrook.

The air-conditioning unit broke down once again, producing an actual global warming effect in the jam-packed indoor venue.

The concert, a compilation of environmentally and socially-conscious music, was the launchpad for the long-awaited environmental CD —Greenlight Network Vol 1—featuring an eclectic mix of 16 musicians and original artwork covers by local artists.

Mark Ng Wai, a talented 18-year-old reggae artiste and guitarist opened the show just after 6 pm, with an environmental song he wrote for the CD called Supreme Creator.

He was followed by punk rock band Anti-Everything, who stirred the audience with an exhilarating song from the CD entitled The Way We Live Our Lives, protesting against injustice, corruption and racism.

Don’t Panic also sang a song about racial unity, while a screen behind the stage projected images of people holding placards with Fix T&T, Fix Crime, and Every Creed & Race Find an Equal Place.

Founding member of the Greenlight Foundation Elspeth Duncan noted, “I am hearing a lot of songs about standing up for a cause and not being oppressed by those in power.

“We must allow our creative spirit to emerge, instead of our destructive spirit.

“We all have a heart and we all care or else we would not have been here. Everybody can make a little drop in the bucket,” said Duncan.

She said that the Foundation would be hosting an environmental concert on an annual basis.

Tie Dye Kitty, one of the newest pop/rock bands in T&T consisting of vocalist/keyboards Richard Hall from Orange Sky, guitarist/vocalist Sean Young Wing formerly of Smith Tuttle, bassist Arron Ramkelawan of Opium Mystic and drummer Triston Khan of Anti Everything, used this concert to make its premier appearance.

Coming out with a bang and a bunch of high octane adrenaline rush lyrics, they left a lasting impression on the audience.

Hall, who made jokes about osmosis evaporation as he wiped the sweat from his brow, sang a song he wrote for the environmentally conscious CD called Ask the Dust, which addressed the potential extinction of the plant.

Rahil Babooram came on next with a satirical composition about animal rights, drawing applause and laughter from the audience with such lyrics:

“Why must the animals bleed... don’t they realise one day it will be the other way around... and the animals will take you to town.”

He was followed by rock band 5 o’Clock Shadow which performed another track from the CD called Mother Nature’s Warning.

Mike Ross (of 95.1FM) and his two guitarists roused the audience with impressive vocals and lively, rhythmic tunes such as The Cleansing, awakening people about environmental pollution.

Jointpop, another local rock band, ended off the night with Who Shot Paradise, a catchy tune containing a strong environmental message which could also be heard on the CD, and The Water Supreme, a crowd favourite.

The limited edition CD, which also features Brother Resistence, Elspeth Duncan, Sheldon Manoo, Glenford Bhagat, Malik, John Pollard, Namid Lancaster and Ozymajiq, will be offered for sale at a cost of $100 at venues to be advertised.

For more information, please call

645-0016, 758-7915 or 786-0789

Nature of Sound concert a sell out success

Last night's Greenlight Network concert, Nature of Sound, held at Trinidad Theatre Workshop in Belmont, was a sell-out success. Members of the audience were wowed by thought-provoking, environmentally inspired performances by some of the musicians featured on the long awaited compilation CD ... Greenlight Network Vol. 1: The Nature of Sound

Below are a few photos from the event.

The special first edition of the CD, on display in the concert venue's lobby. Each CD had a unique cover created by a local artiste. Most of these CDs were sold on the night, but some are still available for those who wish to own a collector's item. Contact Glen at 645-0157 to make your purchase, or e-mail Greenlight at the address provided in the sidebar.

Opening act, Mark Ng Wai, honours The Supreme Creator

Brian Khan of Anti Everything moved the crowd with an acoustic rendition of "The Way We Live our Lives"

Glenford Bhagat courageously made his solo debut with two 60's style renditions

Don't Panic didn't panic. They simply gave a performance which won rave reviews from those in attendance.

Tie Dye Kitty was hot ... in more ways than one. Global warming?

Sir Rahil Babooram was a powerful voice for animal rights.

Anil (lead singer of 5 O'Clock Shadow) gives us "Mother Nature's Warning"

Special guest, Mike Ross, had the crowd clapping and singing along to "The Cleansing".

Jointpop asked the important question: "Who Shot Paradise?"

(Photos: Elspeth Duncan)

The Nature of Sound concert was merely an appetizer. Stay tuned for the larger concert to come ... Woodstock style, featuring all of the performers on the CD ... and more.

Thank you to all who invested their time and energy to make our first environmental concert a resounding success. May we all continue to play our role in bringing healing and consciousness to our inner and outer environments.

All proceeds from ticket and CD sales benefit future Greenlight Network creative environmental projects.

Nature of Sound: The Concert

Spread the word! There's never been a concert like this ...

For ticket information please call Shivonne at 758-7915.

Above is the flyer for Greenlight Network's upcoming concert on Earth DaySunday 22 April 2007. This concert, Nature of Sound, will be the launchpad for the long awaited environmental CD: Greenlight Network, Volume 1 ... featuring an eclectic mix of local musicians (both solo and group):

5 O'Clock Shadow

Anti Everything

Brother Resistance

Don't Panic

Elspeth Duncan

Glenford Bhagat

John Pollard

Jointpop

Malik

Mark and Joey Ng Wai

Navid Lancaster
Ozy Majic

Rahil Babooram

Sheldon Manoo

Tie Dye Kitty

At the Nature of Sound concert we will be selling 50 special first edition Greenlight Network CDs, each sporting a unique CD cover with original artwork created by different local artists.

Seating for 60 only, so buy your tickets now!
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All proceeds benefit environmental projects.

Inviting artists to create an original CD cover

Artists ... join us as we bring the Greenlight Network CD project into full bloom.

The CD Project
This project is a CD (Greenlight Network Vol. 1) containing original musical contributions by 16 members of the Greenlight Network. Our aim is to sell 500 of these CDs (in the first instance) to raise money for Greenlight’s creative environmental projects.

Original Artwork Needed

We are asking for original artwork to be created (and donated to the cause) by artists/artistic individuals (for the first 50 CD covers). 50 pre-cut CD covers (heavy card) are available for this. Each completed CD cover will be a collector's item which the purchaser of the CD may want to frame. These ‘50 CDs with original artwork covers’ will be sold at a special price to raise money to duplicate the 500 CDs (first run) and print the actual covers for those CDs.

INTERESTED? Get your (blank) CD canvas cover and get started now!

Unique. Innovtive. Thought provoking environmentally conscious artwork. If you or any other artist you know would like to create at least one special edition CD cover, please let us know as soon as possible via e-mail (see link in right hand sidebar). The blank CD cover ‘canvas’ can be collected in the East at Greenlight's Headquarters: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe. Please call Glen at 789-0786 for directions.

GUIDELINES
1. Theme: the cover should reflect ‘Environmental Concsciousness’ (whatever that term means to you/however you interpret it visually). Remember, this canvas is a mini billboard for vital and conscious messages ... and a potentially frameable work of art.
2. Cover must be handmade/hand done
3. Artwork must be flat, not raised (remember it is slipping into a CD jewel case)
4. Cover should have your visual artwork only (no text). The reverse side should have a simple environmental statement from your heart and your signature as the artist.

Please submit on or before Saturday 31st March to Glen @ 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe (789-0786) or contact Shivonne at 758-7915 to arrange drop off to her in Port-of-Spain.

Pass this link on to an artist!

Thank you!