Earth Day is approaching, and the Student Environmental Council plans on celebrating the day,while also raising awareness for it.

As a part of SEC’s Earth Week celebration, the organization is sponsoring a free concert, Earthfest 2000, today from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brookside Park. Medulla Oblongata, Norman Stagger Band and Sangha are scheduled to perform.

Angela Sokolowski, junior in animal ecology and vice president of SEC, said the concert is just as much for enjoyment as it is to raise awareness of Earth Day. She encourages other student groups to participate.

“We also left an open invitation to any other student groups that want to get involved,” Sokolowski said. “We are a liberal group all inclusive, but still laid back.”

Kelly Wilkening, senior in hotel, restaurant management and co-president of SEC, said SEC is still looking for additional performers.

“Sangha will more than likely be unable to be there by three, so if any solo performers want to go up on stage, that’s great,” Wilkening said.

Sangha will be followed by the Norman Stagger Band and Medulla Oblongata. Wilkening said Medulla Oblongata has been a great supporter of SEC.

“Every time we have a concert they are willing to play,” Wilkening said.

Chinmoy Panigrahy, guitarist and vocalist for Medulla Oblongata, said he and his bandmates are not environmental activists, but they are aware of the problems involving the environment.

“We’re all conscious when it comes to the environment,” Panigrahy said. “We perform at a lot of causes because we are not going to turn down the right to perform.”

A post-party event will include a petition that SEC hopes patrons sign, which calls for a “Clean Air Agenda.” Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Leonard Boswell have signed the petition and SEC and other environmental groups are still awaiting Senator Chuck Grassley’s signature.

The petition is asking for the government to start spending money on more natural energy sources.

“[We want the government] to stop subsidizing coal, and start using money for things like natural gases and solar power,” Wilkening said.

The real purpose of the petition is to put money into the technologies that would serve the solar and naturally-powered energies of the world, Wilkening added.

Wilkening and Sokolowski encourage all students to come out and have a good time even if they are apathetic towards the environment. And if the environment acts up and rain pours down, do not worry. A tent is set up for this explicit purpose.