By Barona DiNapoli

Cuzin Richard Entertainment Associates (CREA), while supporting environmental protection and the green movement, also creates its own microcosm of sustainability within the local music community. “I grew up surrounded by music in my mother’s record shop and ever since I’ve always wanted to give back to the entertainment community by promoting upcoming, local musicians,” explains Smith. CREA’s original purpose was to bring together local musicians and venues. The organization has since expanded and now provides event planning, high-quality sound systems, and fundraising support. In addition to his musical mindfulness, Smith works to incorporate environmental consciousness into every aspect of his business.

Most CREA-sponsored events also double as hubs for environmental or community advocacy. Information about the Green Movement and ways to get involved is always readily available. Additionally, Smith promotes other green organizations such as Clean Water Action, the Seacoast Anti-Pollution League, and the Pierce Island Commission at his music events. The company has also organized fundraisers to promote the Green Movement. For example, this past February, CREA held a comedy event at the Portsmouth Music Hall. A portion of the proceeds were split between the Pierce Island Enhancement Fund and the Green Alliance. This was the seventh straight year of the Comedy Extravaganza and each year, Smith has donated a portion of the proceeds to a different community cause.

Smith has also been involved in Save Our Shores (SOS), an organization devoted to protecting the earth’s oceans. SOS focuses on eliminating marine debris, maintaining water quality, and educating the public about these issues. Smith first became involved with this organization in Hawaii, where he worked to protect the beaches from condominium building. “Unfortunately, money talks and the commercialization of Hawaii, sadly, continues today. On a positive note, I find this problem to be less significant here in New Hampshire,” adds Smith. The seacoast’s SOS branch, which CREA supports, works to keep the beaches clean and protect marine ecosystems. “Unfortunately, the recent rain and wind storms have caused considerable damage to New Hampshire’s beaches; this is where an organization like SOS would come in to help,” explains Smith.

Smith is a strong supporter of the “save our farms movement”, another community advocacy mission CREA has taken on. “I believe that NH’s farms need to be protected and maintained. The commercialization of the food industry has had a significant impact on our nation’s eating habits. Along with the deterioration of American’s health, local farming has suffered incredibly. We see the effects right here in NH where our small farms have been crowded out by factory farms. Where we can use a CREA event to educate around a subject such as this – we will,” says Smith. Again, this is the strength of CREA – the unabashed use of his entertainment microphone and influence to organize around an important community issue.

So what’s next on CREA’s “entertainment meets advocacy” calendar? CREA and the Green Alliance are currently teaming up to launch the first Seacoast Agricultural/Green Movement music festival. Plans for the event are underway and will possibly come together by next fall. Smith hopes to run the festival entirely on wind and solar energy. Characteristic of CREA, the festival will feature many new and local artists while promoting local organizations involved in the Green Movement. Keep your eyes peeled on the Green Alliance website, www.greenalliance.biz for more information about the up-coming Green Alliance Music Festival.

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