Meet Dana Lyons ~ July Sustainable Hero

Dana Lyons was a sustainable hero long before “sustainable” became a global word and movement.

In 1989 Dana’s first album, “Our State is a Dumpsite” addressed the issue of nuclear waste being shipped to Washington State. Now in 2014, Dana’s ninth album, “The Great Salish Sea,” includes songs about salmon coming home since the beginning of time, orca whales being endangered by big ships preventing them from hearing one another, controversial coal trains, and water’s critical role in meeting the needs of many different people.

Alongside serious themes and issues are songs that are witty and humorous such as “Cows with Guns,” “RV” and “Ride the Lawn.” Two current videos, “Cane Toad Muster” and “Label GMO Disco” are examples of Dana’s skill at integrating political issues and comedy.

In an article by Richard Jehn in the Whatcom Watch Online, Profiles of Pacific Northwest Activists Dana states: “So now when I choose my battles, I look for issues that unify people. In the ‘80s, there were six of us chained to a bulldozer, and everyone was mad at us as we were trying to save some trees. We were just this tiny group, we were always the minority. But now, the onslaught is so great that it unifies. Like my recent coal train tour…”

To learn more about Dana, his music and concert schedule go to www.cowswithguns.com.