In anticipation of Outside Lands (a first-year major music festival that takes place in San Francisco, August 22 through 24) several key artists participated in a recent a press conference, including Steve Winwood. During his part of the conference, the iconic musician -- who, some would say, is a living relic from the music scene that San Francisco birthed in the '60s -- said he was looking forward to returning to the Bay Area not only for the weather but also to recognize his roots. The city was his U.S. first market and, in fact, the first place he visited in America. His career has careened in all sorts of directions since then, including a foray into mainstream pop with a string of 1980s hits such as 'Valerie,' 'Higher Love' and 'Back in the High Life.' He's come a long way since his days in Traffic or Blind Faith. But one thing that's remained from his hippie roots is an eco-consciousness that is suddenly back in style.

While Rothbury wins in the race for green this summer, Outside Lands will have a considerable green effort in its own right, including solar and wind powered cell phone charging stations and generators that run partially on biodiesel. Winwood says his own bus does not use biofuel, however the band has taken steps to make their touring lifestyle greener. "In fact, I was just today trying to buy biodegradable plates to take on the bus, and we recycle at every stop," Winwood said. "And so yes, we do think about it. Whatever happened to rock 'n' roll, I wonder? But there we are."

Meanwhile, when asked by a journalist if Winwood and one-time bandmate Eric Clapton had any additional plans to reunite following a few shows earlier this year, Winwood seemed optimistic. "We are in touch and I would think that there is a good possibility that we could do something else," he said. "But as of yet, there's no plans have been made."