Dave Mason, Cheap Trick at DC Earth Day

[April 17, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cheap Trick, British rocker Dave Mason and teen pop group Kicking Daisies will perform on Earth Day at the National Mall.

Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers said the theme of Sunday's rally is "Mobilize the Earth." The organization is urging people worldwide to perform one billion "acts of green" and the event will feature a countdown to the goal, which organizers hope will be reached on Earth Day.

"We're at 900-and-something million and they're just pouring in," Rogers said. "So, we're going to do a countdown on the mall and hope we hit a billion during the event."

Rogers said the so-called acts of green include commitments to walk to work, plant trees and conduct environmental education programs in schools across the globe.

"My favorite was a guy who broke up with his girlfriend because she wouldn't recycle, we counted that as an act of green," Rogers said.

An "EcoVillage" featuring interactive exhibits and renewable energy demonstrations from exhibitors including NASA and the United Nations is also planned.

Tens of thousands crowded the mall two years ago to hear Sting, Jimmy Cliff and other musicians play on the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day. The event wasn't held last year because Earth Day fell on the same weekend as Easter and Passover and because of the economic downturn, Rogers said.

The combination of the performers and good weather could draw large crowds as with past events, said Earth Day Network spokesman Bryan Buchanan.

[Associated Press]

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