NYC musicians joining chorus calling for shift to clean energy

Musicians will gather Tuesday night at the Brooklyn Bowl to hold a benefit concert in support of the New Yorkers for Clean Power campaign, which calls for a shift to a clean, renewable energy economy.

Through education and advocacy, the campaign —which launched in May together with actor and advocate Mark Ruffalo, environmental and business groups, and clean energy companies — aims to spread the awareness of available options for clean energy, energy efficiency and clean transportation options such as electric vehicles.

“In the name of having a long and sustainable economy and having safe jobs as well as protecting our health and environment, we are really hoping we can connect people to the programs and to the funding,” said Renee Vogelsang, campaign coordinator for New Yorkers for Clean Power.

New York State and the federal government offer incentive programs to residents looking to transition to renewable energy. For example, the state offer several tax incentives, including a 25 percent income tax credit on solar energy systems up to $5,000.

The state also offers “green driver incentives” such as emission test exemptions for individuals using electric cars and diesel-powered vehicles. E-ZPass holders with hybrid cars also have the chance to get 10 percent off the rate.

ConEdison also offers customers savings to “go green,” such as buying energy-saving appliances, and allows people to estimate how much they will be saving.

Tuesday’s “Concert for Clean Power” at 61 Wythe Ave. will feature musicians such as Mago: John Medeski and Billy Martin; Marco Benevento; Ryan Montbleau Band; Yuka C. Honda; Brukan Clonda; and DJ Logic.

Medeski became part of the Artists Against Fracking movement after making the move from New York City to upstate New York over a decade ago.

“People, especially in the city, don’t realize where things come from,” Medeski said. “The truth is, whatever you electricity situation is, there is something burning somewhere.”

Along with the music, Medeski said Tuesday night’s event will give people the opportunity to learn about the issues and about solutions they can be a part of.

“It’s not going to happen overnight, but it needs to start,” Medeski said. “We’re just trying to help and as musicians the best way to help is by playing music.”

He also added that just as New York State in 2015 officially banned hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – the state should push to be the leader in moving its economy to clean energy.

“New York has an opportunity, because it banned fracking, it has an opportunity to be on the forefront of this movement,” he said. “We hope that New York State will keep setting an example and it will spread.”

Doors for the concert, which is 21 years and over, open at 6 p.m. and the show is expected to begin at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit brooklynbowl.com.