Smaller than Live Earth

Michael Franti & Spearhead, is topping the bill tonight at the final day of the 9th Taos Solar Music Fest. Get down there if you are in the area. Franti blends hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. He is also an outspoken supporter for a wide spectrum of peace and social justice issues.

The other big names at the three day event were Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Los Lobos.

“It’s a beautiful place to play,” Franti told Off-Grid. “and its testimony to what solar power can do.”

The Monsters, who have recorded in their “off-the-grid” studio high in the Colorado mountains, topped the bill on the opening night. The band performed a set of new songs just completed for the release of a new album �probably the most upbeat rock album we’ve ever written,” said one band member.”

Los Lobos, another New Mexico favorite, closed out last night�s musical lineup that also featured Ottmar Liebert, William Topley and Paula Cole.

This evening, it’s the job of Michael Franti and Spearhead to close out the festival. The set begins at 6 p.m. and it follows Robert Mirabal, the John Butler Trio and Tracy Lyons. Full artist performance times are available at www.solarmusicfest.com .

Kids can play with solar-powered remote-control cars and there are stalls offering information on soil improvements, organic farming and the latest technological advances in solar power.

If you arrive with a donation of 10 nonperishable food items you will be given a free limited-edition festival poster designed by Rob Helmstetter of Table 2 Press. However, festival organizers report that donations of ramen noodles (sorry, college kids!) cannot be exchanged for the poster.

Festival gates open at 11am today. $45 per person

WHERE: Kit Carson Park in downtown Taos, 11/2 blocks north of Taos Plaza at 211 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte

Tags: off-the-grid, taos, franti, spearhead