Ecopalooza jazz and wine festival hits Downtown Portland, supports local high school

As if we needed any more reason to think Portland was an amazing place to be.

The 2nd annual, 100% solar-powered Ecopalooza Wine & Jazz Event kicks off on Saturday, July 23rd 2011 in Portland’s Pioneer Square.

Sponsored by Amtrak, The Green Economy, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Gunderson, Ecopalooza aims to raise awareness about clean energy while raising funds for the installation of a solar panel array to a local high school.

The event is also slated to set a Guinness World Records™ for the largest all day 100% solar-powered concert.

Founded in 2009, the non-profit Ecopalooza Project organization works to promote the use of clean energy in the Portland Community through creative thought while working locally to further a  more sustainable living for future generations.

Celebrating innovation

Ecopalooza will feature world-renowned jazz performers including Grammy Award winner Shannon Sanders, Grammy-nominated Patrick Lamb and jazz sensation Devin Phillips.

“We’re thrilled to welcome so many amazing musicians to our efforts to connect solar technology to Portland area schools,” said Ecopalooza organizer Rah-Miel Mitchell. “This event depends on great performers and great partners enabling us to bring solar energy to the Portland community.”

(Em)powering the future

Ecopalooza will also raise funds from ticket sales to install a solar energy system at a local school within the Portland Public School District.

“At Portland Public Schools, we know that we lead by example,” says Edward Bruin, the Facilities and Asset Manager for Portland Public Schools “With the support of The Ecopalooza Project, we’re thrilled to reach a lot of goals by powering one of our schools with solar technology, including reducing our carbon footprint, building awareness about climate change and energy issues with our students and setting an example for our community about the ease of putting solar power to work.”

For more information, visit www.econw.org.