John Legend will keep things as green as possible while touring over 50 cities this summer in support of his latest album, “Evolver.”
The R&B crooner is teaming up with non-profit environmental organization REVERB to ensure that the trek is eco-conscious, reports Billboard. Their efforts will include coordination with venues and local caterers to facilitate the use of green products and practices, along with neutralizing CO2 emissions from venue energy use, hotels, flights and touring vehicles.
The tour’s “carbon footprint” was calculated by REVERB and neutralized by financially supporting the construction of new renewable energy projects such as wind farms. Eco-friendly merchandise will be available for fans and a John Legend on-line ride-sharing service will encourage and assist carpooling to shows.
The tour begins June 27 in Muskegon, Mi., and wraps up in Berkeley, Calif., on Labor Day. India.arie is scheduled to open select shows.
Backed by an 11-piece band, Legend will make stops at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Mann Music Center in Philadelphia and Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.
Last month, Legend topped Billboard’s Green 10 list for his increased efforts on behalf of various environmental causes. In January, he performed at the Green Inaugural Ball, a celebration of the Obama administration’s pledge to build a sustainable energy economy that was executive-produced by Live Earth founder Kevin Wall.
His two-year-old Show Me Campaign is dedicated to improving life for the residents of poverty-stricken Mbola, Tanzania, with clean water and higher-yielding agriculture. Last year Legend teamed with professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University’s Earth Institute for a speaking tour to promote sustainable development in Mbola and other impoverished areas.
