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|| High Country Press Newswire

October 2, 2008 issue

ASU Renewable Energy Initiative Hosts Benefit Concert at Dragonfly Theater October 9

Story by David Brewer

On Thursday, October 9, ASU’s Renewable Energy Initiative (REI) will host a benefit concert featuring several local bands at the Dragonfly Theater located at 215 Boone Heights Drive in Boone. The concert will begin at 10:00 p.m. and admission is $5.

Bands slated to perform at the benefit include funk and rock cover band Soul Benefactor, Big Mister, acoustic roots band Woodgrain, Avett Brothers-style folk duo Wings of Tin and gospel-tinged jamband Groovenauts.

In addition to the live music, Mast General Store will sponsor a raffle throughout the night, giving away prizes between performances.

Motivated ASU students created the REI in 2004 to attempt to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. Each semester, REI receives $5 of each student’s fees that is placed in a fund controlled by the REI, amounting to between $130 and $140k annually. The group is comprised of students, faculty and employees from throughout the school.

The REI is charged with bringing renewable energy projects to the campus. In an attempt to reduce the university’s dependence on fossil fuels, the REI strives to educate the public on the benefits of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

In addition to the recently installed PV system located at Raley Hall, the REI has two major projects in the works according to REI Chair Jonathan Pierson. Currently, the REI is involved in the installation of a $100k solar thermal apparatus that will provide nearly 60 percent of the hot water needed at McAllister’s Deli and Cascades restaurants in ASU’s Plemmons Student Union.

The REI also recently had a zoning request approved adjacent to the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center for a 100 kilowatt wind turbine. The group is current by seeking proposals. When completed, the wine turbine will be one of the largest in the state.

For more info on the REI, click to www.rei.appstate.edu. For more info on the REI benefit concert, call the Dragonfly Theater at 828-262-3222 or click to www.dragonflytheater.com.