Be a Tree listener at Eco-Fair

Trees on fire many not sound very eco-friendly, but the sounds of Trees on Fire (the band) is a perfect fit for Saturday’s Eco-Fair.

The five-man Charlottesville-based band has built a bit of a reputation for putting the spotlight on environmental issues. In fact, after playing this weekend, Justin Esposito, Rob Mezzanotte, Brian Wahl, Paul Rosner and Blake Hunter will embark on an East Coast tour, where they will team up with the likes of the Sierra Club for a number of benefit concerts.

“We looked for bands that had an alliance with the purpose of the fair, but at the same time we wanted to make sure that we had a diverse lineup,” said Ty Cooper, the publicity planner for the local Earth Week activities.

“We have TR3, Darrell Rose and African Drums and Trees on Fire, and we have solo acts such as Adrienne Young. We have 4 to 1, an R&B group from UVa consisting of four African-American graduating seniors.

“But when Trees on Fire heard about it, they immediately got on it.”

The rock, pop and organica blend of Trees is a perfect fit for a fair that is designed to raise awareness of reducing our carbon footprint and preserving the environment.

“We are not trying to tell people what to think,” guitarist and vocalist Blake Hunter said. “We are just more of a pop band that sings about the things we see.”

Their first recordings, including “Organic Volume 1,” explore the effects when mine owners strip away mountaintops in search of coal.

Hunter said the band has spent the past month polishing up “Volume Two,” while “Three” and “Four” should be ready to be combined for a full-length CD later this summer.

Now, however, their attention is focused on Saturday’s show.

“We like playing in the bigger spaces [like the Pavilion], and we like the topic at hand,” Hunter said. “But we also like sharing the stage with these other bands.”

He especially noted the chance to follow a set by Tim Reynolds’ trio, TR3.

“Tim Reynolds was a major influence to me,” he said.

“When I was young I would go to Miller’s and hear him play for three dollars. That was back when nobody cared about minors coming to bars and listening to music. Of course, my Mom was usually with me one way or another.”

Hunter, obviously, grew up in Charlottesville and later convinced his college buddies to move down South.

Hunter knew Mezzanotte, Wahl and Esposito from their days at Boston University.

They were just a group of college friends who decided to settle down here instead of going off to sing opera or play in symphonic bands.

“Once we were here, we decided to start a pop band,” he said. “… And we have been pretty busy.”

Cooper, too, will be busy, coordinating all the bands, speakers, raffles, demonstrations and more than 70 exhibitors that are expected to spill beyond the Pavilion proper.

“We figured the Downtown Mall would be an easy location for people to walk or bike to,” said Cooper, noting that last year’s event was held at Charlottesville High School.

“We still have other vendors who are trying to get booths, but it is difficult because we are trying to find a space. We don’t want people who are trying to put on a presentation or hand out information to be overwhelmed by the music. So we have to strategically space the tables,” said the co-owner of the nearly one-year-old Eco Dry Cleaners.

Among some of the goods up for grabs are a kayak from Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, a rain barrel from the Rivanna Conservation Society, a Garden Gourmet compost bin from Blue Ridge Eco Shop and theater tickets from Play On!

“It is going to be a great event,” Cooper said.

Among the speakers at Saturday’s free event are Congressman Tom Perriello, Jerry Stenger from the University of Virginia’s climatology department, Mayor Dave Norris, David Slutzky of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, chief coordinator Ari Daniels and local teacher Kristin Meyer, who will be reading “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss.

Other activities in the family-friendly fair include a bike rodeo, an art project, face painting, seedling giveaways and a make-your-own-rain-barrel workshop.

And rest assured, no trees will be burned in the making of this festival … just plan on some hot music for your listening pleasure.

BANDS’ STANDS

10 a.m. Darrell Rose’s African Drum ensemble

11 a.m. Four to One

Noon: Beleza Brasil

1:15 p.m. Adrienne Young

2 p.m. TR3

3:45 p.m. Trees on Fire

DETAILS

Eco-Fair

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Charlottesville Pavilion