Published: August 28, 2008 10:12 am            

Songs of Solar Energy

Environmentally- conscious singer playing shows powered by sun

Eliza Gilkyson’s new album is called Beautiful World. And judging by recent actions, she intends to keep it that way.

The Austin folk singer will play a solar powered show at the San Marcos River Pub and Grill at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. With the help of the alternative energy group Sustainable Waves, the band will use no city of San Marcos electricity and be completely powered by the sun.

“It’s my intention is to do every single show in the Hill Country using solar energy (assuming it’s not too much gas to haul the trailer),” Gilkyson said. “I really want to do anything I can to introduce (things like this) to the public.”

It’s no surprise that Gilkyson would do this, as her music is always politically minded and environmentally conscious. Beautiful World, which deals directly with war, political corruption and the natural world, was inspired by a monthly gathering she hosted in 2007 with University of Texas professor activist Robert Jansen and minister Jim Rigby called “Last Sunday.”

“We wanted to provide a place to discuss, grieve and mull over our future without having a need for an immediate solution other than the comfort of each other’s presence,” Gilkyson said. “The first song I wrote for it (the album) was ‘Great Correction,’ which I wrote as a way to console myself as I grieve the devastation of the human and natural world.”

Eliza is the daughter of famed songwriter Terry Gilkyson and grew up in Los Angeles knowing that her life would revolve around music.

The new record mixes Americana, folk, rock and a little jazz with hard hitting themes all cleverly disguised in optimistic undertones.

“This record is what the title suggests. It’s a celebration of everything that’s worth living for and worth fighting for,” Gilkyson said.

        

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