Los Angeles’ first all-solar arts and music festival returns to Mariachi Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The third Eastside Sol is “a solar-powered music and art festival that helps Eastside residents go green and save money on their energy bills by connecting them with existing and emerging clean energy initiatives,” according to a press release. It is also being presented as part of a citywide push for new solar energy programs for renters.
The festival will feature music from Selenamos, El Conjunto Nueva Ola, Mariachi Voz de América, and more on an 100% solar-powered stage, according to the release. Resources offered will include the LADWP’s Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) and Rooftop Solar enrollment; job opportunities with IBEW Local 18 and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; interactive art making and t-shirt silkscreening with Self Help Graphics & Art; free bilingual bike rodeo, helmet and lights giveaway, and more.
Four politicians who represent Boyle Heights –Senator Kevin De León, Councilmember José Huízar, Congressman Jimmy Gómez, and Assemblymember Miguel Santiago– are expected at the event.
As part of the festival, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project will host a free electric vehicle test drive, offered on its own Facebook event page as a “unique opportunity to test drive the newest electric vehicle models in a no sales pressure environment.”
Intended as a “hub for information on green energy,” the festival is being put together by RePower LA, a city coalition of community groups, environmentalists and small businesses, anchored by LAANE, SCOPE, and IBEW Local 18 that advocates for equitable clean energy investment and good jobs at the LADWP.
RePower LA “is focused on pushing for a Shared Solar program for renters in Los Angeles,” organizers say. “The input from LADWP ratepayers at Eastside Sol will be instrumental when a larger citywide convening takes place in September to set priorities for clean energy activism.”
A number of local organizations are also listed as sponsors. The event, from 2 to 6 pm., is free.
Photo above from Eastside Sol.
