TORONTO, March 22, 2013 – York University students are tuning up their acoustic music instruments for a candlelight concert organized during the Earth Hour — 8:30pm-9:30pm — on Saturday, March 23.

“The main purpose of the Earth Hour concert at York University is to draw attention to the worsening issue of climate change and to connect our values to immediate and positive action that we take such as rethinking our energy use,” says Pavel Graymason, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator in the Office of the President, who is the key organizer of the event. “Performances using powered instruments, with the lights turned on, will be outside of the Earth Hour.”

The concert, which starts before the Earth Hour and concludes an hour later, will include performances by students from Seneca@York as well. “We are also planning to have it coffee house style and open the floor for musicians in the audience,” Graymason adds.

 WHAT: Earth Hour Concert by York University and Seneca@York students

 WHERE: York University, Keele Campus, Vari Hall (building number 30 on the map)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 23, 2013, 6:30pm-10:30pm

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca