Invitation by the Oxford environmental Colloquium

STARO was invited by the Oxford University Environmental Colloquium to talk about the changing Amazon. The talk addressed the role of the indigenous forest-dwellers and how sustainable forest-management practices can empower them to economical prosperity without destroying the Biome of the rainforest. This approach lessens the damage to the Amazon considerably by enabling the Amazons 'guardians' to preserve the area.

Scientists are aware of the major impact climate change has on the vulnerable eco-system of the rainforest and to its precious biodiversity. By empowering the local forest dwellers to protect the rainforest we hope to lessen the dreadful consequences of deforestation.

Among the key speakers were Carlos Nobre (Ph.D. in Meteorology (1983) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Carlos Nobre is currently the Director of CPTEC, Brazil's center for weather forecasting and climate studies). Other speakers included Dan Nepstad (Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Research Centre) Maria Ikeda (Head of Environment Section, Brazilian Embassy, London) and Tony Hall (Published environmental writerand researcher)

Representatives of WWF and leading members of the Brazilian climate and environmental government sectors also attended.

As STARO's projects are rainforest and people based, the discussions tied in perfectly with our work.

For more information please visit the link about the event on:
ECI Oxford Event information

Oxford University Environmental change institute website link:
ECI Oxford

Indy Music Awards

Thanks to all at the Indy Music Awards for electing STARO as their featured charity. Many thanks to Gibson Guitars for their very generous gift of a Gibson Les Paul guitar for the STARO Raffle. Great night and thanks to all who supported us that night.

Home House Concert

Our Home House concert in May 2008 was a great success. We had an amazing line up -- Jack Bruce from Cream, Rick Nowlels, Shaznay Lewis from All Saints, Nerina Pallot, Maria VidaL Ed Tracey and Luc Floreani -- all performing in aid of STARO. Thanks to all those who took part, Home House for staging the event, AND IN PARTICULAR TO RICK NOWELS for putting the show together.

A big thank-you to all of the artists who performed at the STARO Benefit Concert

• Jimmy Golding
• Louise Latham
• Lucie Diamond
• Rei Fu

A special thank you to:

SEB Collective and Patrick Hennessay
SOHO Revue Bar

Thank You to everyone who attended and donated!
11 Walkers Court (off Brewer Street )
Soho, London W1 1F

LUCIE DIAMOND …European CMA Artist of the Year - www.myspace.com/luciediamond

After achieving success in winning 3 categories in the European Country Music Awards 2006 including "Female Vocalist of the Year". This will be her first London date in 2007, performing a special acoustic set. Certainly a rising star in the making, and this has been confirmed by Lucie being invited to represent the UK, 4th June 2007 by the all-powerful CMA (Country Music Association) in USA at their annual CMA Global Artist Party in Nashville, and to be filmed by US TV. And there is more, she has also been confirmed to headline on 14th July on mainstage at the biggest country music festival in Europe, at Mirande, France to an audience of 40,000+ with her full UK band. Filmed by national French TV. ...do see her site for further info

RIE FU www.myspace.com/riefu & www.riefu.com

Now what can we say about this wonderful lady from Japan signed to Sony/Palm Beach. A very angelic performer who presents her material with great finesse. Whilst in the UK delivers her songs solo on stage accompanying herself with either guitar or piano.. but do visit her site to hear some of her great tracks with the band and believe when I say its not just any ordinary band its the musicians from the Pretenders .

LOUISE LATHAM www.myspace.com/louiselatham

Louise hales from Wales and signed to Carnelian Records (indie) will be performing in this evening with her acoustic band. A most delightful performer who blends beautiful soulful lyrics over a subtle folk type musical platform. Lots of versatility and at one with her audience. Rozaliya Rashkova - Cello, John Landau - Guitar, Simon Middleton - Keyboards,

Suzanne Latham - Harmonies and Brett Sawmy - Drums

JIMMY GOLDING www.myspace.com/jimmygolding

A very accomplished singer songwriter unique in his ability to convey some very conscious lyrics through his refined folk rock melodies. Jimmy has the ability to relate to life as it is through heartfelt words which strikes a chord in every listener , his debut album just released in Dec 2006 is a wonder to listen to, showing Jimmy’s great music pedigree. He is joined this evening by a most wonderful violinist Lucie Deglane, who brings elegance and charm to this performance.

We would just like to point out all the artists chosen to perform in this STARO awareness and benefit evening, are doing so with very little persuasion as they are all very passionate about the cause and also invite you all to indulge and enjoy their exclusive original material to mark this event.

So please visit their website sites and listen first hand to hear what a special evening awaits those in attendance

All the best

Patrick & Sam

SEB Collective ....Showcasing live music & artist creativity www.myspace.com/sebcollective 07881 796 895

In association with Petworth Sounds Studio Ltd.. John Landau www.myspace.com/petworthsoundsstudio 07985914205