For many summers, General Hydroponics has been a major sponsor of the world’s largest reggae festival, in Humboldt, California. In the beginning, it was known as Reggae on the River, and in recent years was called Reggae Rising. The festival was the highlight of our events calendar. “Reggae” was the perfect party. Endless music and 20,000 of the nicest people you could ever meet. We stoked the crowd with free samples, gave away limited edition t-shirts, and partied non-stop all weekend. But, structural shifts have once again rocked the foundations of the festival.

In 2010, for the first time in 5 years, GH is not going to be up on the Eel River for a summer Reggae festival. Instead, we are going to branch out in new venues. We are still going to support all the festival fans as Reggae reworks it’s programming, by continuing with our sponorships. We will be making a return to Earthdance, heading to the East Coast for the Muddy River Jam Festival and we are very excited to announce a new event to our lineup, Power to the Peaceful. It is a unique, lively event unlike any other, held September 11 and 12th in Golden Gate Park. Like Reggae, it’s got great, consciousness raising music acts, but it has something Reggae never had, a skate ramp!!! We can’t wait to get the vans loaded and get out on the road! See you there!

Power to the Peaceful 2009 photo by Paul Devoto

This year at Earthdance, we collected $5 donations for our General Hydroponic T-Shirts and General Organics Sample Packs. All the proceeds are being given to the Redwood Forest Foundation. In total, we raised $1,110.00! The foundation is a Mendocino County organization dedicated to sustaining the stunning and unique ecology of the redwood forests. Often when we think of redwoods, we think of massive towering trees, but there are many small and delicate plants living in the ecosystem as well. I’ve posted a shot I took of an orchid that is native to the redwood forests here. It’s so pretty, and so exotic, and it needs our protection. Here is some more information about the RFF, from their website:

What We Do

We are striving to create a model of “working community forests” by purchasing and sustainably managing the once great redwood forests surrounding the communities of the redwood region in northwestern California. This will be for the social, environmental and economic benefit of all our citizens in perpetuity, by returning net profits directly back to the communities served.

RFFI wants its forest management practices to demonstrate respect for the integrity of forest systems. Sustainable habitat will benefit our community and our forest industry by providing high quality water, air, and forest products along with the open space that north coast residents treasure.

The jobs created by the sustained flow of forest products will provide a family-friendly income. The long-term profits will benefit the community through augmentation of existing county budgets for education, roads and public welfare. Finally, the forest will provide a space for young and old to enjoy in culturally diverse ways.

One of my favorite acts to play the event is the Goddess Alchemy Project. They combine dance and ritual with hip-hop beats and world music. The bird costume in the photo below is so cool! 

As usual, GH sent its crew and set up a huge booth. Not only does GH put together a beautiful booth, but GH provides the prettiest, most vibrant plants for the main stage. This really contributes to the green vibe, and the mother-earth appeal of the event. At the booth, we set up all kinds of information and samples. Our team of Adam, Jessica and Ivan met with all kinds of General Hydroponics users, from hobbyists to true professionals. Everyone loves grabbing the latest nutrients and supplements. Not to mention the Earthdance 2008 GH T-shirt. 

Next week, SolFest!