BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A Wilkes-Barre blues rocker and former guitarist for a band that in the 1990s had charting hits will headline the return of a free festival dedicated to "protecting our planet."
Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen be among three music acts to perform at the fourth annual No Planet B Jamboree at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, it was announced.
For the second time, the festival, “aims to raise awareness about sustainability and the importance of taking care of our planet” will be at the ArtsQuest Town Square Stage at SteelStacks.
"The music discovery component has a killer line-up of next fav bands like always."Philip Reese, whose Your Next Favorite Band podcast organizes No Planet B with ArtsQuest
In case of rain, it will move inside to Palette & Pour restaurant at ArtsQuest Center.
It also will feature Nervous Nikki & the Chill Pills, a suburban Philadelphia indie rock/punk energy band, and The Hot Mamas, an eclectic femme collective of Americana singer-songwriters.
Local organizations and vendors also will offer eco-friendly products, sustainable services and "practical ways to live more sustainably, according to a release.
"The music discovery component has a killer line-up of next fav bands like always," said Philip Reese, whose Your Next Favorite Band podcast organizes No Planet B with ArtsQuest.
New this year will be Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds updating attendees on the city's Climate Action Plan, the city's recently announced "40 in 10" public parks revitalization plan and "the various ways Bethlehem is adopting conservation and sustainability initiatives," Reese said.
Fun run, then music
The day again will kick off at 1 p.m. with a 5K Fun Run, welcoming runners and walkers of all levels "to get moving for a greener future."
The run will finish where the music starts, at the Town Square stage outside ArtsQuest Center.
Music will start at 2 p.m. with Nervous Nikki & the Chill Pills, who mix indie, folk, garage rock and even hip hop. The band released an EP, "Nerves of Glass," in July 25.
The Hot Mamas will perform at 2:55 p.m., offering what it describes as "swingy Appalachian folk pop punk."
Bethlehem's Mayor Reynolds then will speak at 3:45 p.m., with Dustin Douglas & the Electric Gentlemen performing at 4 p.m.
Douglas (nee Drevitch) previously was guitarist for Northeast Pennsylvania roots rockers The Badlees, who in the mid-1990s had the Top 30 Mainstream Rock chart hits "Fear of Falling" and "Angeline is Coming Home."
The Electric Gentlemen is a swaggering band that captures the vibe of late 1960s and ‘70s blues-laced rock ‘n’ roll of Jimi Hendrix Experience, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin and Black Crowes.
A new designation for festival
No Planet B's number of participating organizations also "has increased and expanded, and includes a mix of nonprofits, for-profits and governmental entities, which is very exciting," Reese said.
"This family-friendly event brings people together to celebrate music, movement and meaningful climate action ... Because there is no Planet B."Philip Reese, whose Your Next Favorite Band podcast organizes No Planet B with ArtsQuest
Scheduled to participate are The Energy Co-op, The Running Kind, Green Pond Packaging and Master Gardeners of Lehigh/Northampton Counties.
Also, Reclaim Planet Earth, City of Bethlehem Sustainability Initiative, Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Council and Conservation Voters of PA.
And Green Building United, The Foundry Recording Studio, Lehigh Valley Girls Rock and East Spruce Design/Build.
Reese said No Planet B also has achieved “Certified Festival” status from Musicians for Sustainability.
One element of the designation was to have the food served by Levy Restaurants on plastic-free plates and using flatware and napkins, he said.
"Chef Julie Marble has been incredibly supportive of this adjustment to the food service and worked with Lisa Pammer of Green Pond Packaging to make it happen," he said.
Further, One Compost Can from New Jersey will provide receptacles for the compostable items and taking them for handling after the event, he said.
"Such a very very cool thing that came together because all of these people cared and put the effort in to make it all happen," Reese said.
Reese also said the festival is encouraging "everyone to take part in simple, impactful actions" when they come to No Planet B.
"Bring a reusable cup or mug (like your favorite Musikfest mug!) to help cut down on single-use waste," he said. "Choose eco-friendly transportation — walk, bike, carpool take public transit or drive an electric vehicle if you can.
"This family-friendly event brings people together to celebrate music, movement and meaningful climate action ... Because there is no Planet B."
