Organizers of the 10th annual Stage of Nations Blue Rain ECOfest have unveiled the entertainment line-up for the 2018 festival in Downtown Syracuse. The event happens the last weekend in July. The festival aims to get everyone thinking about their appreciation and environmental impact on the earth.
Do you need to up your game when it comes to being environmentally friendly? Outside of the Onondaga Nation Arena in Nedrow on Thursday, Tadodaho Sid Hill began with a presentation before this year’s festival line-up was announced.
“That's how we bring our young people up to acknowledge how we're connected to the earth, and how we must acknowledge those things the creator has given to us.”
The entertainment line-up spans a wide variety of musical genres including Loren Barrigar and Edgar Pagan and his All-Star Band who has performed at the event before.
“I was just so impressed with the color and the diveristy there, and the way it brought so many people together. It's such a beautiful vibe and spirit, so peaceful and open. It's just an honor to celebrate the culture.”
The event also provides families with what Producer Irv Lyons calls “earth-friendly living.”
“Everyone has their own responsibility to the earth. If we start there, that's the way it should be. I can't worry about what other people do. They should try to have some responsive lattitude. But it comes with us to know if our earth is sick, then we’re sick.”
Traditional Native American dancers and smoke dance competition will also be featured.
At least 40 vendors will participate at ECOfest and some with environmentally minded services such as renewable energy and handmade Haudenosaunee arts and crafts and food. The free event is hosted by the Onondaga Nation. It’s Friday, July 27th through Sunday, July 29th in Downtown Syracuse.
