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The
Inspiration
Playing for Change is a
multimedia movement created to
inspire, connect, and bring
peace to the world through
music. The idea for this project
arose from a common belief that
music has the power to break
down boundaries and overcome
distances between people. No
matter whether people come from
different geographic, political,
economic, spiritual or
ideological backgrounds, music
has the universal power to
transcend and unite us as one
human race. And with this truth
firmly fixed in our minds, we
set out to share it with the
world.
The Production
We built a mobile recording
studio, equipped with all the
same equipment used in the best
studios, and traveled to
wherever the music took us. As
technology changed, our power
demands were downsized from golf
cart batteries to car batteries,
and finally to laptops.
Similarly, the quality with
which we were able to film and
document the project was
gradually upgraded from a
variety of formats-- each the
best we could attain at the
time—finally to full HD.
One thing that never changed
throughout the process was our
commitment to create an
environment for the musicians in
which they could create freely
and that placed no barriers
between them and those who would
eventually experience their
music. By leading with that
energy and intent everywhere we
traveled, we were freely given
access to musicians and
locations that are usually
inaccessible. In this respect,
the inspiration that originally
set us on this path became a
co-creator of the project along
with us!
The Effect
Over the course of this
project, we decided it was not
enough for our crew just to
record and share this music with
the world; we wanted to create a
way to give back to the
musicians and their communities
that had shared so much with us.
And so in 2007 we created the
Playing for Change Foundation, a
separate 501(c)3 nonprofit
corporation whose mission is to
do just that. In early 2008, we
established Timeless Media, a
for-profit entity that funds and
extends the work of Playing for
Change. Later that year,
Timeless Media entered into a
joint venture with the Concord
Music Group through the support
of label co-owner and
entertainment legend Norman Lear
and Concord Music Group
executive vice president of A&R
John Burk. Our goal is to bring
PFC’s music, videos and message
to the widest possible audience.
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Now, musicians from all over
the world are brought together to perform benefit concerts that
build music and art schools in communities that are in need of
inspiration and hope. In addition to benefit concerts, the
Playing for Change band also performs shows around the world.
When audiences see and hear musicians who have traveled
thousands of miles from their homes, united in purpose and
chorus on one stage, everyone is touched by music's unifying
power.
And now, everyone can participate in this transformative
experience by joining the Playing for Change Movement. People
are hosting screenings, musicians are holding benefit concerts
of every size, fans are spreading the message of Playing for
Change through our media, and this is only the beginning.
Together, we will connect the world through music!
The Band
Musicians from different cultures uniting together for the
common purpose of peace through music is a powerful statement.
For the past four years Playing For Change has traveled the
world with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of
such inspiration. Throughout the journey we created a family of
over 100 musicians from all walks of life. We connect these
musicians together with "Songs Around The World." The Playing
For Change Band is the next chapter in our story. Now people
everywhere can witness first hand the transformational power of
music and love that comes from the Playing For Change Band.
The members of the Playing For Change Band during the Fall of
2009 North American tour were: Clarence Bekker (lead vocals),
Grandpa Elliott (lead vocals, harmonica), Titi Tsira (lead
vocals), Mermans Kenkosenki (lead vocals, congas), Louis Mhlanga
(electric guitar), Jason Tamba (backup vocals, acoustic guitar),
Reggie McBride (backup vocals, bass), Peter Bunetta (drum kit),
Mohammed Alidu (talking drum, djembe), and Steve Molitz
(keyboards). Joining the group for European tour dates are Tula,
Roberto Luti, Stefano Tomaselli, Hugo Soares, Pierre Minetti,
Francois Viguie, Venkat, Bhekani Memela and members of Sinamuva
(the beautiful choir from Umlazi, South Africa), and the
incomparable Reggie Mcbride.
Listen to the music of Playing for Change
Playing For
Change
Links:
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