Over 50,000 EarthFest participants lucked out on Saturday with beautiful weather and (free!) good music. The ninth annual EarthFest at the MDC Hatch Shell, sponsored by WBOS and Dunkin' Donuts and celebrating the 32nd anniversary of Earthday, featured performances by Bonnie Raitt, Garbage, Midnight Oil, Lisa Loeb and Boston's own Johnny A. In addition to live entertainment, over 30 vendors and environmental organizations were there to pass out free food and information.The opening act was Johnny A., a local guitarist and songwriter, who warmed up the crowd with songs from his self-released debut album "sometime tuesday morning." His sound has been described by his label Favored Nations Entertainment as "slithery rhythm and shadowy attitude ... enough to summon images of late-night bars, moonlight along a waterfront, mysterious candlelit encounters." He has also been nominated for a Boston Music Award for best debut album of 2000 on an indie label.
Next in the line-up was the ever-intriguing and intense Garbage. The band's repertoire included songs from their 1995 self-titled album, 1998's "Version 2.0" and their latest album "beautifulgarbage." Dark subject matter keeps some people wary of this group, but it's silly to miss out on good music because of the words. Shirley Manson may not always sing about the most uplifting truths of the world, but the mesmerizing rhythms and provocative melodies never fail to jumpstart the appreciative listener's heart.

Lisa Loeb was the next to grace the stage, dressed in her "Dunkin Donuts uniform" (Read: White blouse and pink dress) and playing a stirring mix of old and new songs. Her laid-back manner, reminiscent of her Texan roots, charmed her screaming fans as she granted audience requests, such as one of her most popular songs, "Stay." Many of her new songs from the recently released album "Cake and Pie" delve into the realm of the complications of love (but it's no wonder, because most music does). Her low-key style, however, makes the sensitive topic all the more relatable and bearable. Who said you can't do anything with English?
A far departure from folky rock and love, the illustrious Midnight Oil got the crowd on its feet with something a little more aggressive and prosaic. Remember that '80s song "Beds Are Burning"? That's from these guys. They've been around since 1976 (before they were called The Farm), and they're not going anywhere. Except maybe on a world tour for their 14th album "Capricornia," released this year. Midnight Oil is known for their political activism at home in Australia and abroad. "We play for the environment ... We've played on the streets of New York in front of Exxon," lead singer Peter Garrett, president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, passionately proclaimed just before an electrified performance. Midnight Oil gave meaning to EarthFest's true purpose.

Bonnie Raitt finally came out to greet her eagerly awaiting audience. A mix of country and bluesy rock from her 16th and newly released album "Silver Lining" held the massive audience captivated and brought local residents out to their balconies. Her music was a little too, je ne sais quoi ... produced for mass appeal for my tastes, seeing as how I'm not a fan of country or blues. But, that's not to say it's not good. Just not good for one confused college girl who doesn't really know what she's doing.
Overall, however, the beautiful weather combined with great entertainment, not to mention free Ben and Jerry's, made the Earthfest an enjoyable experience.