“Green with Music” Eco Gifting Retreat Invites Music’s Stars to Chill and Go Green for the Grammys

“Green with Music” raised green in more ways than one at their eco-friendly celebrity gifting suite, spa retreat and fund raising gala February 6, 2009. The fabulous gifting suite and Spa Tibet were hosted at the stunning, sustainable penthouses of The Mercury in Los Angeles, honoring music’s stars for the 2009 Grammy® Awards.

 “We are grateful for the pioneering green brands and healthy lifestyle practices leading the way to our sustainable future!” said dharmata president and Green with Music co-founder Beverly Visty-Doman. “This year’s Green With Music will provided a sanctuary for music’s biggest stars to chill before the Grammys, luxuriate in Spa Tibet and experience the finest and most innovative green lifestyle products. We were also really excited to welcome the public to the evening party, which helped raise funds and awareness for Wherever the Need“.

The all-green, sustainable eco-fabulous retreat and spa during the Grammy® Awards, Green with Music sought to merge celebrity culture and spa experiences with green brands to encourage and inspire healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

Getting and Giving

The evening’s eco party featured organic cocktails and cuisine, DJ, and green product samplings, with live performances by Lara Johnston (VH1’s “Rock the Cradle”) and Manose Singh (Deval Primal). The goal of the gala was to raise money for Wherever the Need (WTN), a charitable organization whose core aim is to provide clean drinking water, sanitation, livelihood and empowerment to people around the world. A facilitator for individuals in developing countries, WTN helps people take control of their lives and work their way out of poverty.

Gifting Suite Becomes Divine Retreat

The Green with Music penthouses showcased haute eco-styling and décor by Alison Designs Co.’s noted green designer Alison Shoemaker, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional.

Furnishings donated by Cisco Brothers, the environmentally friendly pieces carried on the green theme with natural materials and fabrics. In 2006, Cisco developed the Inside Green™ method of construction and became the first designer to create 100% FSC Pure sustainable upholstered furniture. The company moved exclusively to FSC Pure certified woods on upholstered furniture, using reclaimed hardwoods for a collection of stunning case goods and the use of water based glues and environmentally friendly detergents to wash all fabrics. www.CiscoBrothers.com

At the Spa Tibet penthouse, headed up by Robert and Melanie Sachs of Diamond Way Ayurveda, famous guests were spoiled with wonderful treatments. The spa services were inspired by traditional practices of Tibetan Ayurveda and designed to give guests a profound sense of peace, calm, and awakening. “Spa Tibet” was the first installation of “Spa Without Walls,” a concept conceived by Melanie and Robert Sachs of Diamond Way Ayurveda.  With a goal to heighten awareness of the 50 year anniversary of the invasion of Tibet, Spa Tibet showcased some of the transformative Tibetan Ayurvedic treatments now available in the West.

Robert Sachs, author and creator of Spa Tibet.

Robert personally and most humbly performed some of the treatments on lucky guests at the Green with Music Suite. Spa Tibet was able to exemplify all that green stands for; life giving, energizing, sustainable, and compassionate activity that benefits the whole planet.” Treatments included Tibetan Chakra Stone Ritual, Tibetan Shirodhara Modified Ritual, Ayurvedic Face Rejuvenation, PediKarma: Ayurvedic Foot Ritual; and 2-Person Himalayan Mountain Abhyanga. Robert Sachs is the author of Nine-Star Ki: Your Astrological Companion to Feng Shui (Vega Press 2001), Tibetan Ayurveda: Health Secrets from The Roof of The World (Inner Traditions, 2001), Rebirth Into Pure Land (Diamond Way Ayurveda, 1994), Perfect Endings: A Conscious Approach to Dying and Death (Inner Traditions International, 1998),  The Passionate Buddha: Wisdom on Intimacy and Enduring Love (Inner Traditions, 2002), The Buddha at War: Peaceful Heart, Courageous Action in Troubled Times (Watkins Press, 2006), and his and Melanie’s most recent book to promote Ayurvedic treatments and wellness for individuals and therapists, Ayurvedic Spa.  Most of these titles are available in several European languages. Amazing….

For hair, Anthony Morocco of Morocco Method International developed raw, organic, vegan hair care products for Spa Tibet, and custom manicures were provided by celebrity manicurist Nettie.

Celebrated guests enjoyed delicious organic appetizers, delectable sweets, and beverages. They also sampled and tested the finest eco luxurious lifestyle products.

The Mercury – Penthouse Host

The Mercury played host to the retreat and spa. This sleek, distinctive tower features fine city living combined with retail, restaurants and specialized services. An exciting panoramic view from the residents-only rooftop retreat offers breathtaking 360-degree visuals of the Los Angeles area. Underground parking and easy access from Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Downtown made The Mercury, a Forest City Development property, a perfect venue for the gifting retreat penthouses.

Actress Alexandra Leighton was very much in support of the all-natural eco suite.

“We’re thrilled to host this gathering of companies and products that are aligned with our own sustainable philosophies, and can’t imagine a better place than our sustainable, luxury high-rise condos here at The Mercury!” said Senior Vice President of Development Renata Simril. To see where the retreats were located, or learn more abut their innovative property, view a virtual tour of The Mercury at www.themercuryla.com.

Food, Products and Services Go Green

These companies that teamed up for this event offer more than what meets the eye – they work at improving our health and saving our planet. Read more about these innovative products and services that encourage us to “go green”:

Comfort Bars® are all natural organic snack bars. They are free of trans fats, corn syrups, sugar alcohols, artificial ingredients or sweeteners. Low fat, low calorie and low sugar, the bars appeal to everyone including children, seniors, athletes and adults on the go. Made with organic Italian (fair trade) chocolate and quality ingredients, they are the most decadent of natural protein bars. www.comfortbar.com

Creator of Comfort Bar, Gina Borgia

Café Gratitude sponsored the organic food bar and provided delicious, healthy food selections. Known for supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products, Café Gratitude uses only the finest organic ingredients.

Owners Matthew Engelhart and Terces Engelhart focus on raw, fresh ingredients for physical and mental health. www.cafegratitude.com

BioSmart offers biodegradable and compostable products for foodservice and tableware needs. Clean, eco-friendly, high-quality disposable supplies, many of which are made of tree-free, petroleum-free, all natural materials such as sugarcane bagasse. www.biosmartpackaging.com

Infinity Sun brings you the world’s only multi-treatment skincare systems based upon High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) turbine engineering. Our proprietary technology atomizes various treatment lotions into very fine mists, delivering highly customized, high quality skincare and sunless tanning elixirs for the ultimate beautifying experience. www.infinitysun.com

MetropoliTanmobile airbrush tanning treatments are mobile and come to their clients. An all-natural, anti-aging sunless tanner made with antioxidants and pure botanicals leaves the skin radiant with a natural-looking, deep golden brown glow. Odor-free, streak-free formula. www.downtownlatan.com

BudFits are the most secure and comfortable way to wear your iPod earbuds. IPod earbuds can often be uncomfortable or fall out. BudFits ensure iPod earbuds won’t fall out during even the most demanding physical activities, while maximizing wearing comfort. www.budfits.com

The Green Garmento is an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic dry cleaning bags. They help dry cleaners go green, lessen the plastic load to landfills, and help the environment

Jennie Nigrosh, creator of The Green Garmento bag.

The Green Garmento can also be used as an all-in-one laundry bag, hanging garment bag, carrying case, or hanging hamper. www.thegreengarmento.com

Coconut Bliss holds its own, as rich and creamy as premium ice cream. Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss is a satisfying, delicious, and healthy alternative to dairy and soy-based frozen desserts. Made from a base of naturally rich coconut milk and sweetened with agave syrup, Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss is certified organic, 100% vegan, kosher pareve, and made with certified fair trade ingredients. www.coconutbliss.com

Duchess Marden natural skincare products are expertly blended with the anti-aging qualities of pure plant-based elements. Deeply nourishing and free of parabens, petrochemicals and chemical preservatives, this line is suitable for all skin types. www.duchessmarden.com

Gregory Daniel of Duchess Marden Natural Skin Care.

Crystal Rock™ is spirited, sassy, and fun, redefining high-end casual wear for the stylish ingenue. Created by Crystal Audigier and her famous father, fashion designer Christian Audigier, Crystal Rock™ celebrates girls of all ethnicities, cultures and walks of life. The concept behind Crystal Rock™ is simple; all girls and women are unique and beautiful. Crystal Rock™ is eco-friendly and every shirt is manufactured on 100% chemical and pesticide free organic cotton. www.shopcrystalrock.com

Diamond Way Ayurveda

Diamond Way Aurveda preserves the body/mind work of India and Tibet in their spa. They offer many types and levels of treatments, from Tibetan massage and facial rejuvenation to detoxification and lifestyle counseling. All products used are naturally green, and available for both home and professional use. www.diamondwayayurveda.com

Ecousable, Inc., invents, produces and markets reusable eco-friendly products that are fashionable and affordable for everyone. Their two flagship products, Water Wrapz™ (a removable and reusable band to identify your water bottle) and EcoUsable bottles (stainless steel bottle that are 100% recyclable) reduce the number of plastic water bottles one uses. www.ecousable.com

Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates. Fair trade-certified and organic chocolate for every occasion. Valentine’s Day, Easter, wedding favors, truffles, even bulk/grocery items. Organic chocolate eliminates exposure to chemicals, is fumigant-free, and promotes bio-diversity. Chocolate that’s better for the environment. www.sweetearthchocolates.com.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Neuhaus, owners of Sweet Earth Chocolates.

The Neuhaus’ support Project Hope and Fairness – (fair trade cocoa) promotes sustainability of cocoa farmers on the Ivory Coast, where 75% of America’s chocolate originates from, through direct assistance. They work with over 600,000 very poor cocoa farmers to find systems that work for them, educates American consumers about injustices endured by cocoa farmers and encourages producers of cocoa products to adopt Fair Trade policies. www.projecthopeandfairness.org

KisClean Corporation offers non-toxic environmental cleaning products and promotes a new and healthier way of living. They foster a culture enhancing sustainable lifestyles, one that says our actions can and will improve the quality of the environment we live in. These great products evolved out of their company’s own non-toxic cleaning business, their intention to use nothing but the safest, environmentally-sound products.  They have used these products for the last four years in their business and have been very successful.

Creator of KisClean Phillip Nzuwah. (rt)

All KisClean products are completely natural and biodegradable, and derived from edible and seed bearing plants. they contain no hasxardous ingredients and are child and pet safe, and never tested on animals!www.kisclean.com

Eco Gift Festival produces large-scale eco-conscious gift shows. They are on the cutting edge of the live event sustainability movement and work and partner with companies who already support or who are demonstrating a shift toward these same ideals. www.ecogift.com

Nettiescrub differentiates itself from the pack with a forward-thinking distinctive design of finely-tuned skin care products. Quality, natural ingredients are used such as rich shea butter, natural plant extracts and powerful antioxidants.

Their whimsical line is designed to lighten life’s daily burdens and its effect on skin. Nettiescrub formulas are only sold in sustainable and reusable packaging. www.nettiescrub.com

Eel River Brewing Company makes California’s first Certified Organic Ale. Unique in flavor and purity, their Organic Amber Ale is a medium bodied beer with a hoppy bouquet and distinctive rich taste. Exuding a caramel-like sweetness, this ale is balanced with a liberal dose of certified organic Pacific Gems and Hallertau hops, imported from New Zealand. Pure taste and pure ingredients. www.eelriverbrewing.com

Fleischmann’s Vinegar Classic Organics® vinegars are in a class of their own. Certified organic, raw and unfiltered, non-GMO, and gluten-free, they contain no preservatives or color additives. Available as a white vinegar; red vine vinegar, made from freshly-pressed organic wine grapes; and new apple cider vinegar, from freshly-pressed organic apples. www.fleischmannsvinegar.com

Fleischmann's Vinegar's rep Nancy Vuenzli.

Envirosax® reusable shopping bags spread the eco-friendly message with style. Chic, inexpensive and compact, Envirosax environmentally friendly shopping bags carry the message of re-use to a world ready to embrace a brighter ecological future. www.envirosax.com

EcoloBlue™ is a state-of-the-art atmospheric water generator (AWG) that produces purified drinking water from the humidity in the air.

They offer unique solutions within the water generation Industry, the production of bio-degradable plastic and the generation of clean energy worldwide. www.ecoloblue.com

Bamboo Hugs: Claudia Night and Tracy Hoare create this line of baby and child bath blankets made of 100% certified organic bamboo. Bamboo is a great alternative material this is soft, sustainable, super-absorbant, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, pesticide-free, UV protective, fair trade and Oeko-Tex approved! www.bamboohugs.com

Organic Bamboo Hugs - Bath Blankets for babies and children.

Forty Oaks Farm is rooted in environmental responsibility and doing its part to help restore a better planet. Their fresh herb bouquets are 100% organic and sustainably grown. Their sea salts are hand-harvested on the Hawaiian island of Molokai by local farmers who use ancient techniques passed down through generations. Forty Oaks Farm also donate a portion of their proceeds to the Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization working to reverse the abuses wrought in endangered regions, plants and animals. Forty Oaks Farms owner, Christy, donated all the organic flowers and scrub that decorated the space and gifted her ‘Sea Salts” to celebs. The raw white sea salt used as the base for our bouquets is hand-harvested by local farmers using centuries old techniques on the ancient island of Molokai. Though artisanal sea salts may sound rarefied and intimidating, using them in your kitchen couldn’t be simpler. www.fortyoaksfarm.com

White Swam Music donated music in everyone’s gift bag especially the amazing sounds of MC Yogi. www.whiteswanmusic.org

Ghalia Organic Desserts specialize in organic and unique creations for any occasion. They offer individual sales, event catering, corporate catering, weddings, and gift services. Ghalia Organic Desserts believe that healthy living can be an indulgent experience. www.ghaliaorganicdesserts.com

Actress Kimberly Cole decorates and signs art for auction for "Whatever the Need".

Greenopia is a local guide to green living. This specialized directory lists eco-friendly retailers, services, and organizations. Companies cannot pay to be included and all listees must meet Greenopia’s strict standards of eco-friendliness. They have been screened for their sustainability in the product or service arena, making it easier for those seeking green services. www.greenopia.com

Lotus East-West Medical Center is Santa Monica’s first holistic primary care medical center to achieve green business certification. Their carefully selected healthcare professionals specialize in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, naturopathic medicine, allopathic and osteopathic medicine (medical doctors), psychotherapy, and health and wellness consulting. www.Lotusew.com

Mary’s Gone Crackers, Inc. is committed to manufacturing the best tasting wheat-free and gluten-free baked goods using the highest quality, organically grown ingredients. Their signature product is a delicious and unique cracker made with organic brown rice, organic quinoa, organic flax seeds and organic sesame seeds. www.marysgonecrackers.com

Better Botanicals provides the purest herbal skin care possible. Their products are based on “Ayurveda”, the world’s oldest and most widely practiced school of herbal medicine. Better Botanicals uses no synthetic colors or fragrances, no alcohol, no “bandwagon” ingredients, mineral oil or animal ingredients. Not tested on animals. Affordably priced natural skincare. www.betterbotanicals.com

AGL Grass creates a lush green oasis of a realistic lawn without any irrigation, chemicals, equipment or time-consuming maintenance. Their product consists of polyethylene grass blades which are UV protected and resistant to all that mother nature does. The cryogenic recycled infill system provides a safe cushion surface for children and pets. Artificial grass provides the perfect “green” lawn. www.aglgrass.com

MOBU Herbals promote transdermal (through the skin) delivery of healing nutrients. Their “herb-dicinal” balms contain specially selected ingredients which are 100% organic and ethically wildcrafted to ensure the highest quality and purity. MOBU Herbals Balms are made fresh, in small batches, in their own closely monitored facility. www.Mobuherbals.com

Raw Revolution organic raw food bars are gluten free, vegan, and wheat, corn, soy, trans-fat, cholesterol and refined sugar free. Raw, living foods are clean, and have higher nutrient content than cooked foods. Available in a variety of flavors. www.rawindulgence.com

Steaz, USDA certified organic and fair trade certified beverages. The best-selling organic soft drink and energy drink brand in the U.S. offers the Steaz Iced Teaz, Steaz Energy and Sparking Green Tea lines. Free of artificial preservatives and chemicals. www.steaz.com

Tommy Bahama® Ultra Premium Rum is from the island of Barbados. Made with clear, cool water and the finest molasses, Tommy Bahama is blended by their master distiller and aged in small batches. White Sand and Golden Sun rums are created in a family-owned distillery. www.tommybahamarum.com

WhiteWave Foods specialize in dairy and dairy alternatives in the grocery and natural foods channels. They are a leader in corporate citizenship, manufacturing innovative, authentic and nutritious branded food products through socially and environmentally responsible practices. www.whitewave.com

Adapt Ad Specialty products and services distribute customized promotional and advertising specialty products. Over 5,000 items the firm carries utilize recycled materials such as glass, paper, rubber, plastic, aluminum, and steel. www.adaptadspecialty.com

Whole Life Times (WLT) offers readers viable alternatives for living healthy, conscious and satisfying lives, and for creating a sustainable society. In the spirit of true abundance, they engage in socially responsible business practices. www.wholelifetimes.com

ZICO contains 100% pure coconut water with natural flavor essences. With five essential electrolytes, more potassium than a banana, low acidity, no fat, no sugar added, and no cholesterol, ZICO is the natural, refreshing way to hydrate and replenish. For more than 4,000 years, coconut water has been revered as a natural source of nutrition, wellness, beauty and hydration. www.zico.com

Sponsors of Green With Music include eco trailblazers such as AGL Grass, Adapt Ad Specialty, Alison Shoemaker of Alison Designs Co., Better Botanicals, BioSmart, RE2 – The healthy alternative to abrasive cleaners and disinfectants, Coconut Bliss, Comfort Bar, Diamond Way Ayurveda, Eel River Brewing Company, Greenopia, Eco Gift Festival, Ecoloblue, Eco Usable, EnviroSax, Fleischmann’s Vinegar, The Floating Bed, Ghalia Organic Desserts, Hansens, Humanitaire, KisClean, LA Yoga, Mary’s Gone Crackers, MonaVie, Nettie Mani Pedi, RawRevolution, Skin by Fiore, Steaz, Sweet Earth Chocolates, The Mercury, Tommy Bahama Ultra-Premium Rum, WhiteWave Foods, Whole Life Times, and Zico.Green with Music

Green with Music was created by veteran Hollywood publicists Beverly Visty-Doman and John Forrester. Their goal was to couple the green world with the music world to further public awareness of “going green”, and influencing artists to make a stand, make a change while giving back to the environment. As sustainability experts, Green with Music builds bridges between non-profits, trend setters, innovative brands and the real world – all to generate awareness and affect positive changes for the world. Green with Music specializes in producing eco-luxurious gifting retreats, rejuvenation lounges, and unique spa experiences. Visit www.greenwithmusic.com for more information.

Actor J. Ambrozic, Interfaith CEO Scott Lazerson, Green with Music Founder Beverly Visty Doman, Actor Stephen Huntsman

dharmata Public Relations

dharmata is all about an organic business philosophy, which empowers its staff and clients. To create a cohesive community, the company embraces colleagues and projects that resonate with the mission of serving self, the client and the planet, ultimately serving all. dharmata’s passion for nurturing healthy work platforms and environments encourages those involved to attain their highest goal and maximum potential. Offering creative intelligence and full-service communications services, dharmata designs each campaign to meet national and or international objectives, ensuring that ideal awareness is achieved. www.dharmata.com