Kingston, Georgia, March 15, 2015 – The Northwest GA company TerraTonz LLC has made a name for itself creating custom musical instruments. However, thanks to its collaboration with artist and entrepreneur Rob Buehler, one lucky individual will receive a one-of-a-kind instrument adorned with signatures from over 42 musicians popular among the contemporary jam band scene–all in the name of planting trees.
Buehler’s idea took root following the death of his father, Robert Lewis Buehler, in 2009. Buehler Sr. made his living selling gasoline. However, upon his retirement, he instilled within his son a vision for a more sustainable future. Buehler’s campaign to plant one million trees is his way of honoring this memory of his father while spreading appreciation for both the environment and the arts.
While the sale of all goods in his online stores and festival tents contribute to his tree planting campaign, the signed instrument give away has become an annual tradition centered on bringing in new contributors via their enthusiasm for the music.
This year’s signed instrument is one of TerraTonz’s StarSeed steel tongue drums, custom made to reflect the theme Mayan Ocean 13. Buehler commissioned the 13 note, 18 inch instrument to bring aboard the event Jam Cruise 13, during which he attained signatures from the musicians performing on the ship.
Making a minimum 5 dollar donation to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization Trees, Water & People via Buehler’s website will enter you in the give away which concludes April 20, 2015. In 2014, Buehler’s program provided funding for 4,200 trees in El Salvador. Funds raised by the Mayan Ocean 13 StarSeed will contribute to Trees, Water & People’s reforestation efforts in Haiti.
Buehler says, “Using instruments to make a change is the greatest gift. Language barriers are crossed, cultural rhythms are shared, and expressing musical views leads to further conversation exploring the importance of each other’s gifts to this Earth.”
Bands who have signed the Mayan Ocean 13 StarSeed include The Motet, Umphrey’s McGee and Galactic. For a complete list and details about making your donation, please visit www.beheady.com.
