When planning this tour, we thought it’d be a good idea to contact US embassies to see if they’d support bicycle music festivals. We’ve always been proud to represent an alternative idea of what America is about, and hoped some attaché types might agree. Seems like this one in particular does.
“The US Embassy in Berlin was delighted to help fund your performance because it showcases the breadth and diversity of U.S. music and environmentalism – as well as blasting German audiences with the fresh winds of your innovation, perseverance, earth stewardship and inspiration. The more we at the Embassy learned about the Bicycle Music Fest and all the values that underpin it, the more excited we were to have a hand in allowing hundreds (thousands?) of Germans to enjoy your music. Not merely to enjoy the event, but to help create it by powering the sound system, riding the bikes, broadcasting your show on their radio frequencies, accompanying you all on your rides through town, reproducing your bike technology if they wish, and so on. You and your fellow travelers enable the audience to plunge right into the experience, rather than sitting passively by. In this age of obesity, over-reliance on fossil fuels and the disengagement of young people from their governments, Pleasant Revolution encourages people to get out of their cars and engage with big problems like global climate change. The events themselves are a powerful metaphor: don’t just be entertained – get up, find your creativity and get involved! We were really happy that young Germans were able to witness one of the really amazing things about the US, namely the willingness of visionary, independent young people to follow their dreams and harness their energies to make a positive change in the world – and to have an incredible adventure in the process.
“Kerstin said you were all great musicians and had the audience in Görlitzer Park mesmerized for hours. Congratulations!
“If you need us to put in a good word for you at any other Embassy or Consulate, just let us know. Meanwhile, safe and happy travels!”
Best wishes,
******
Deputy Cultural Attaché
U.S. Embassy – Berlin
Representing an alternative idea of what America is about
Principally you’re cool people and the time spent with you was among my summits concidering encounters with nice people. I guess I put you at the same level as His Holiness Dalai Lama;) Btw to represent the alternative idea of what Czech republic is about I biked in Minsk in Belarus and hhiked all around with your revolutionary t-shirt – also quite strange feeling…
Good luck
Righteous!!!
This makes me so happy. The Pleasant Revolution is IMMORTAL!