On Sunday, September 13, from 2:00 to 10:00 pm, the Riverview Bandshell,
on the Mississippi River in Clinton, Iowa, became the sound stage for a
free concert and peaceful protest against a proposed hyperscale data
center development.
Organized by Robbie Bahr (guitarist shown in photo), the event brought
musicians, families, neighbors and concerned citizens from across the
Midwest together for an afternoon and evening of music, solidarity and
grassroots action.
Dana Brandenburg (speaker shown in photo), daughter of John and Judy
Brandenburg who farmed the land and founded the Branden Hills
development near Valley Oaks Golf Club near the proposed data center,
spoke about the process excluding nearby property owners and
environmental reasons to oppose the hyperscale data center. “The
residents of the city have spoken out clearly. They do not want the data
centers in their backyards… If you allow our farmland to be swallowed
up by concrete and cooling fans, you can never get it back. Once the
green spaces are gone, the heart of this small town goes with them…
Please honor the legacy of farmers like my father who built this
community.”
Theresa Andrews, Clintonians Against Data Centers Steering Committee,
spoke about community involvement, “This is happening everywhere, not
just Clinton. What makes Clinton different is the people. They did not
expect this! We are a town full of pride and our community is showing up
to protect it.
Beyond the steering committee are so many people who continue to get
involved, listen, learn, ask questions, attend meetings, and stay
informed. That involvement is the heartbeat of this community.”
Clintonians Against Data Centers group members are currently collecting
petition signatures opposing the proposed hyperscale development and
encouraging residents to become educated about the impacts of the data
center, attend city council meetings and make their voices heard.
An impressive lineup of Midwest performers took the stage, including:
* Jaci and The Juice
* 3 on the Tree
* Lynn Allen
* Dan Peart
* Chuck Murphy
* Mamilton
* Factory Town
* Evan Neal
* Don Jovi
* St. October
* Rock Pig’s Sparky & Robbie (Full Band)
* Cheese Pizza’s Haze Lee Finn Super Group Extravaganza
* Liz & The Bellyswirls
* Laura McDonald & Robbie Bahr
For updates, petition information and ways to get involved, visit
Clintonians Against Data Centers on Facebook.
Media Contact for Clintonians Against Data Centers:
Kevin Bradley
kbradley1960@gmail.com
563-400-7919
