Apple A Day

Not only is the Green Apple Festival a free outdoor concert with the Neville Brothers, Rose Hill Drive and the Benevento/Russo Duo, but it's also going to be the largest Earth Day celebration in the history of the Front Range — thus making Denver part of the largest Earth Day celebration in the world.

"We're excited to have it here in Denver for the first time and really in the crown jewel of the city — City Park," says Marc Ross of Rock the Earth, who's coordinating with the fifty vendors who will be at the event, including non-profit organizations, organic and sustainable food and beverage sellers, and green and alternative-energy businesses. Among the highlights will be the alternative-fuel vehicles from Burt Automotive that people can sit in and check out, and a bike valet service from Bike Denver.

The Green Apple Festival started in New York City in 2006, spread to Chicago and San Francisco in 2007 and will be held in eight cities today. Founder and executive producer Peter Shapiro says the event, with its "small footprint, large impact" slogan, is all about awareness.

Interspersed with the music will be environmental addresses by prominent speakers, including Bronco Dominique Foxworth. Cities and concert sites were chosen based on their public transportation infrastructure, pedestrian and bike accessibility and "organic atmosphere" — meaning organizers were looking for parks rather than concrete stadiums. "And Denver's got a great music scene," Shapiro adds.

The event gets under way at City Park, East 17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, at noon.
Sun., April 20, 12-6 p.m., 2008