Famous For: Since its inception in 1991, Charlottesville, VA-based Dave Matthews Band has grown from a grassroots phenomenon to one of the music industry’s biggest acts. With seven studio albums (including 1996’s Crash, 2001’s Everyday, and their latest, 2009’s Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King) and even more live recordings under their belt, the Grammy Award-winning band can boast several platinum albums, countless sold-out shows, and a legion of loyal fans willing to follow the band just about anywhere.

Cause Célèbre: Nearly twenty years after making its public debut at an Earth Day Festival, Dave Matthews Band is considered one of the most environmentally responsible acts in the music industry. They’ve contributed millions of dollars towards environmental causes through their Bama Works Fund, and have been working with non-profit group Reverb In an attempt to reduce the environmental impact of their tours. And these guys don’t just stop at greening their shows: they’re founding members of Green Music Group, a coalition of music industry leaders focused on environmental change; they donate proceeds from their Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor to global warming relief and education organizations; and they have even helped promote eco-friendly travel by scattering free bicycles all over their hometown. Because when it comes to fighting the eco-battle, every weapon counts, from biodiesel buses to pints of ice cream!

Green Link: www.reverb.org & www.greenmusicgroup.org