Blusion® for World Fusion, in principle, supports a rapid and sustained conversion to
solar and renewable energy technologies, accompanied by a dramatic overall reduction of energy use. There is enough
evidence, we believe, to conclude that immediate action in that direction might have a positive impact on hopes for
human survival and prosperity in the coming years.
We wholeheartedly support solar energy and de-centralized energy production as only one part of a comprehensive
strategy to replace more polluting technologies, to reduce consumption and to build equitable social systems. We
do not recommend or endorse solar or any other technology as a means to increase consumerism. The
Blusion® compound, inclusive of rehearsal facility, has been 100% powered by solar
electricity since 2002.
For the above reasons, Rustie Woods, of BFWF, volunteered to book, schedule and organize the entertainment,
staging, sound and solar power for the main stage as well as book and schedule the wine stage at the 2009 Solar Fair
sponsored by Solar Sonoma County.
To advertise the event, bassist and composer for Blusion®, Paul Dean wrote a solar hot
funky jingle for a radio spot.
Check it out
and free the power!
With great appreciation we would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all those who graciously contributed
their talents, on behalf of the sun, to Mr. Dean's
"Mini-Magnum Solar Opus #47 For Oboe, Mallet, And Glass-Lined Water Heater"
Composer, Bass & Vocals ~ Paul "Palo" Dean
Producer & Vocals ~ Rustie Woods
Special Guest Vocalist ~ Chris Clark
Saxophones ~ Jordan "Punchman" Wardlaw
Guitar ~ Greg "Moonshine" Schlaepfer
Drums ~ Scott "Charterman" Charter
Engineer ~ Jane Clark
The piece was recorded at Jane Clark Studios in Sebastopol California by Jane herself. Multi-platinum and
gold-record award winning engineer Jane Clark spent about thirteen years at Motown records. Having worked with enough
stars to fill the night sky, she was a natural to help with our biggest local star, the sun.
Special thanks go to former Motown recording artist, writer and visual artist Chris Clark. Chris's completely
improvised call-and-response counter-melodic interpretive vocal infusion tied the musical room together in a way
that made us all grin as we stood around the soundboard. Thank you Chris!
Event Philosophy
Rustie wanted the planning and organizing of the music stages to reflect the values that we at BFWF would
like to see put in place in the greater society. Since this event was a trade show, promoting the interests of
the solar industry, it seemed most appropriate to insist that the musicians and technicians be paid for their
contributions.
It was also important to Rustie, in the spirit of reducing our environmental footprint and localizing economy,
to resist the suggestions of allocating the bulk of the music budget to a big-name performer, most likely needing
to be imported from an outside area, while expecting our local artists to perform for free or for a token fee. One
of the fundamental purposes of installing solar is to reduce fuel consumption. Localizing economy is an important
component in achieving this goal and as such it is important that we support our local businesses and service
professionals. Strong communities are not built by soliciting our local merchants for donations while we shop
online and spend our dollars outside of our community.
Blusion® for World Fusion is delighted to report that for all stage activities
these values were upheld and the event was big fun.
The Lineup
Every event calls for an Emcee to shephard the stage activities throughout the course of the day and keep the patrons
informed and excited about each blissful moment they're about to experience. Sistah Solar
shined like the sun in this
capacity. Complete in solar cell regalia, Sistah Solar, also know as
Betty Biodiesel,
kept the audience entertained and informed between sets with solar energy facts, information and comic anecdotes.
Sahar and Friends
performed the opening ceremony with their drum circle invoking the spirit of the sun. True believers will attribute
the gradual disappearance of cloud cover that day as direct evidence of their ceremonial success.
Chaskinakuy
followed with authentic Andean music played on an amazing array of unusual native instruments from South America.
Their various combinations of flute, lutes, chimes, guitars and voices, along with their costumes and dynamic
performance was spellbinding.
Fishbear
put in a great performance of their original music, which they call 'fourth wave ska'. Some of these young guys are still
in high school, but they play with an intensity and spirit of cooperation that is inspiring.
Blusion
performed a set of their original politico-funk jazz music. Heads bobbed, toes tapped and for a brief moment it was
almost as though democracy had been restored.
John Allair,
Sonoma County's original rock and roller, Blues Boogie-Woogie Man Extraordinaire played the featured set with his
hot trio. If John has his say, Rock n Roll is here to stay, and nobody can rock it better than he can.
Sonoma County Taiko Drummers
finished up the festivities on the Main Stage closing the day's events with a traditional Japanese Taiko ceremony.
Everyone was exhilarated by their polished, precision performance.
Jerry Shafer of
Affinity Solar Energy
provided dependable and uninterrupted solar power to the Main Stage throughout the event. Jerry is no stranger to solar
powered events. His knowledge, experience and skill, not to mention his easygoing delightful personality, make him a
true asset and strong ally in the march toward a sustainable future.
The sound system was provided by Martin Tickle of
Gathering for Good,
a long time event service provider to many of our wonderful North Bay green events.
The Wine Stage featured the jazz stylings of
Brulee
and the delightful folk songs of the
Bija Children's Choir
.
And last but certainly not least let us not forget all of the wonderful volunteers who arrived at the crack of dawn,
(well almost) to help set up, tote and carry, and tear down at the days end. Without them we would not have survived.
In Closing
Blusion® for World Fusion would like to thank everyone that participated in this
event for their hard work, for their dedication, and for sharing in the fun. We'll look for you next year as Rustie
has been asked back to bring us more fun in the sun at Solar Fair 2010.
Contact Us at bfwf@blusion.com
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