Playing For Change

Jonathan Walls to speak at PFC Screening near Colorado Springs

Jeremy Goulder — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:14:59 -0500

Playing For Change: Peace Through Music co-director Jonathan Walls will be present at a screening of the film at Colorado College Campus this Tuesday, November 10th at 7PM. The event is open to the public and will be held at Armstrong Hall. Following the screening Jon Walls will be hosting a short Q&A session.

If you're not in the Colorado Springs area but have friends or family who are, spread the word!

The PFC Band is in St. Paul!

Jeremy Goulder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:16:54 -0500

Hey all you Minnesotans-- do you recognize this statue? That's right, the PFC Band has just arrived in St. Paul, and are getting ready to put on an unbelievable concert at the O'Shaughnessy tonight. There are still tickets available, so call your friends and roll on out to the show if you can-- I know you will not be disappointed!

Next stop, Kansas City... we're headin' west and hope to see you at a show soon! To see when we'll be performing in a city near you, check our Fall tour schedule.

Change In Action: Ivano Newbill

Gabrielle Canon — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:33:13 -0400

“When the night has come, And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me…”
-Ben E. King

On September 20, former NBA player Ivano Newbill set out from the steps of Capital Hall in Atlanta, Georgia alone on a bike. In just 12 days he would cycle over 700 miles to Washington D.C. in time to attend the 2nd annual summit on Global Hunger. He rode to raise awareness about the billions of people who face hunger around the world each year. He rode to raise money for the Global Hunger Fund. He rode, as a volunteer, to take action against a crisis that kills over 25,000 people each day, and to fight against an issue that creates conflict in developing countries. He rode with the hope that more children will have the chance to receive healthy meals at school—just as he had. “Growing up, many days the only meals myself and siblings had were provided through the school system. Without these meals I do not believe I would have excelled to graduate from high school, as well as go on to Georgia Tech and graduate. I know most definitely the NBA would not have been a part of my future. Now I have a moral obligation to try and help end the world’s deadliest disease—hunger.”

During his journey through the back streets and on the highways, Ivano encountered stares and rebel flags, the symbols used to generate fear and hate in the South. With his past in his heart and Playing For Change’s “Stand By Me” on his MP3 player, Ivano valiantly faced the negativity and, in turn, left a positive impact on the locals who learned about his cause. With each additional extended hand and offer to contribute, change had taken place—change prompted by Ivano’s courage, endurance, and faith.

We got the chance to speak to Ivano about his ride and his cause. He told us tragic stories about world hunger, but included inspirational insights into how we can lend a helping hand. He told us how global hunger is the biggest killer in the world, taking the lives of over nine million people each year. He explained to us how food deprivation is used as a weapon, and how warlords keep people down by keeping them hungry. He described to us how “hunger does not discriminate.” It affects men, women, and children— no matter your race or religion. He instructed us to view ourselves as united through our humanity—to see this issue as one that affects our own. He warned that “a whole generation of our children could be lost. Proper nutrition is vital for any child to excel in school. Serving food at school not only helps alleviate hunger among the world’s poorest children, it also helps get them into school providing them with an important key to a better future—an education.” Despite these dismal realities there is hope—hunger is after all a curable disease. This is why as the volunteer co-chair of Friends of The World Food Program Committee of Atlanta, Georgia, Ivano has dedicated his time, his energy, his thoughts, and his prayers to raising awareness and contributing to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

Ivano wrote to us to let us know, “When I hear ‘Stand By Me’, I think that whatever the problem is, there is a solution to it.” With the faith to make the world a better place Ivano has triumphantly embraced that he IS the solution and we are honored that Ivano took us along on his journey. Ivano, we stand by you as you stand by those who go hungry each day. We are inspired by your determination and energized by your enthusiasm.

Change can be made now. Change can be made today. It can be as simple as a smile to a stranger or as meaningful as lending a helping hand in the global hunger crisis. Ivano wrote to us saying “I know change will come along—it really will.” We share his faith in all of you and in ourselves. We can all make change if we are brave enough to take action. Ivano took action and that is why we are sharing his story with you. We hope you will continue to share your inspiring stories with us. Thank you for helping us change the world!

Start Spreadin' the News

Jeremy Goulder — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:58:32 -0400

While I'm not currently on the road with the guys, I just got an update from their road manager. It sounds like last night's show in Albany was one of the best ones yet! Everyone is beginning to settle into the rhythm of the road, and really learning to feed off of each other's energy and musicianship on stage. Keb' Mo' and Reggie McBride were able to attend, and Keb' even joined the band for the opening song of the second set-- Mo' Faya'!

With four shows now under their belt, the band is rolling into New York City, and is preparing to blow the lid off the Town Hall. There are still tickets available-- if you're in the area, get on out to the show! As much fun as it is to read my updates, please believe me when I say that words and photos do not do this group justice-- get out there and see them in action!

Thank You Boston!

Jeremy Goulder — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:27:47 -0400

What an amazing show it was Thursday night in Boston! The PFC Family took the Orpheum by storm, nearly packing the 2000 person venue. From the moment the first note was struck, there was a palpable energy created in the space between the cheering crowd and the performers on stage. The result was an explosion of sight and sound that has set the bar very high for the rest of our North American tour!

I spent the 6 hour flight from Boston to LA going through photos, and am almost done. I am looking forward to sharing them with you through later this weekend, so check back soon-- I will post when they are available!

Get ready North America, the Playing For Change Band is on its way!

Live at the Birchmere!

Jeremy Goulder — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:08:31 -0400

We finished sound checking at the Birchmere an hour ago, and the house is starting to fill in. From the looks of things, we'll be playing to a sold out crowd in about 20 minutes. We all rode here in style, having been picked up by a pair of 12 passenger sleeper coaches.

One thing is for sure, when you're traveling with a group of a dozen musicians plus crew, you don't go anywhere incognito. Even so, none of us were prepared for the paint job that the lead bus would be sporting-- it was completely decked out in all things Playing For Change!

My batteries are charged and my cards are cleared, and I can't wait to get out and shoot this show. I look forward to sharing some of the photos I take tonight with you all through PFC's flickr page... stay tuned!

Mr. Bekker Goes to Washington

Jeremy Goulder — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:05:09 -0400

The PFC Band and crew have had a great week here in DC. Rehearsals couldn't have gone better, and everyone is excited to get this tour officially rolling tonight. Yesterday morning Clarence and Mermans requested a tour of some of the sites, so Greg and I drove them to the national mall. They were excited to see the White House, awe-struck at the size of the Washington Monument, humbled at the Lincoln Memorial, and had an amazing conversation with a veteran at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that reminded all of us what this project is truly about-- coming together.

I woke up this morning to see the PFC Band performing live on the Fox Morning Show and they've never sounded better. I can't wait to see them at the Birchmere tonight! If you have friends and family in any of the cities we're playing in the next four weeks put the word out, because this is not a show anyone will want to miss!

Bring It On Home

Jeremy Goulder — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:34:51 -0400

We just got back to the hotel, following another great rehearsal. The band has put together a version of "Bring It On Home" that you absolutely have to hear! The song features Grandpa, Titi, Clarence, and Mermans and is an amazingly emotional performance that will hit you right in the heart.

I shot this photo of Clarence and Titi celebrating after their first run through the song this afternoon, and I can't wait to hear it live at the Birchmere on Tuesday!

Making friends in DC

Jeremy Goulder — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:07:57 -0400

The band has been rehearsing in DC for the past three days, and they sound great! They have made some really exciting additions for this tour, and I know that each show is going to be an amazing experience!

Tonight after rehearsal a bunch of us went out for a (short) night on the town. We ended up at a West African bar in DC where a local band was performing. About thirty minutes into their set, I noticed a very familiar sound to the song they just started playing. I walked up to the front of the house and instantly realized why it sounded so familiar-- Mermans had jumped up on stage and was singing lead vocals!

We didn't stay long, as we all had to be up for rehearsal tomorrow. But everyone's energy is through the roof right now, and we can't wait to get take this show on the road!

PFC Foundation School in Ghana

Greg Johnson — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:14:06 -0400

I recently returned from Tamale, Ghana with Mohammed Alidu (Playing For Change Band talking drum/djembe player), and the entire PFC family should be proud of the Playing For Change Foundation's latest accomplishment--building a music and dance school in Tamale, Ghana. The trip was a great success, and we had a very productive time breaking ground on Playing For Change's "Bizung School of Music and Dance" located in Tamale, Ghana. For those of you that don't know, Tamale is located in northern Ghana (12-15 hour bus ride from the capital, Accra), and is only a 2 hour drive from Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Because of its close proximity to several other countries, Tamale is a melting pot of people, music and culture. In addition, Tamale's rich traditions are still deeply rooted in its society. The PFC school will have students from diverse backgrounds, and thus, once again, demonstrating how music transcends our differences and brings people together through music.

While I could spend pages discussing this amazing trip, and our accomplishments, I thought I would touch on some of the highlights, and attach photos (because, as all of you know, a picture truly is worth a thousand words).

As some of you know, Mohammed Alidu is from Tamale, and his family has been living in the area for over 1,000 years (Mohammed's family, "Bizung", are the talking drum chiefs for the Dagomba tribe). Upon arriving in Tamale, Mohammed and I where met by his best friend, and brother, Abraman. Abraman is an expert dancer (specializing in traditional dance), and has previously been invited to dance throughout Europe, and currently is the director for the Tamale Youth Home that teaches traditional dance. Currently, the Youth Home is the only location in all of Tamale where children can get together to learn and practice their dances. Abraman has also generously donated his time to be our "on the ground" point person for the building of the school. Mohammed, Abraman and I drove to the proposed building site, and met with the builder for the project, also named Mohammed. After we met with Mohammed at the school's location (the land for the school was generously donated to the PFC Foundation by Mohammed Alidu), Abraman spread word throughout the community that we would be breaking ground on the school the following Monday (three days later). That Monday morning we had over 30 volunteers assist us with digging the foundation and pouring the concrete. We also had several volunteers (Alidu's mother and sisters) cook us our feast of rice, yams, and goat (the local delicacy of goat kebabs and goat's head soup--very spicy and delicious). Because of the amount of volunteers, and their diligent work, we were able to complete the foundation in only one day. This task would ordinarily take a week to complete. One of the volunteers who came out that day is named Prince Mohamma. Prince is an expert xylophone, keyboard/piano, guitar and bass player and has agreed to teach at the school. Prince is blind (an incredible musician, but even more impressive person).

Needless to say, the community's support for the school is astounding. Although Tamale is the third largest city in Ghana, and the largest in the northern region, there are little or no opportunities for the children to learn, and practice, their traditional song and dance. Accordingly, the PFC school will provide the children with such an opportunity. In addition, the children are extremely excited about the opportunity to learn western style music and incorporate these styles into their traditional music.

I think one story that really captures both the attitude and generosity of the people of Tamale involves the builder, Mohammed. Once Mohammed Alidu told the builder (Mohammed) what the PFC Foundation does, and why we are building the school in Tamale, the builder agreed to reduce his overall fee (only a couple hundred dollars in the US, but a significant amount in Northern Ghana) to help the Foundation build another school in another location (the "pay it forward" philosophy). There truly were countless selfless acts by the community of Tamnale, and the gratitude that the people have towards the Playing For Change Foundation is endless. The PFC Foundation's music school in Tamale will not only provide the children a safe environment to learn music and dance but also will ensure that the children of Tamale will have with the opportunity to share their culture and music with other children from around the world. Most of the children have not heard of Nepal, but as a result of the school they will have an opportunity to not only learn about Nepal but also play music with the children of Tintale, Nepal (from Tamale to Tintale!!)

Please stay tuned for more updates on the progress of our music school in Tamale, and thanks again for all of your support!

Peace & One Love

Getting Ready for a Great Fall Tour!

Jeremy Goulder — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:10:13 -0400

Hello Everyone,

We're a month from kicking off the PFC Band's Fall Tour across North America, and there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Tickets are going fast, but there is still availability for all 22 shows of the tour. For a complete list of dates and venues and to order tickets, check out the PFC Band's page or browse the shows via Facebook Events.

There is truly no better way to experience the energy and love of Playing For Change than through seeing the PFC Band perform live. Please spread the word about these shows among your friends and family, and I hope to see you at an upcoming performance soon!

Welcome Colbert Nation!

Doug Kenney — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:45:00 -0400

We are honored to welcome citizens of Colbert Nation to Playing For Change and appreciate the power of the Colbert Bump you are providing by sharing PFC with everyone you know.

After seeing members of the Playing For Change band perform on Stephen’s storied stage, we hope you are inspired to "Journey" around the site and discover the hundreds of other musicians who make up our growing music movement.

Make sure to "Join the Movement" for updates and exclusive content offered to our community members including "behind the scenes" footage from our 22-city North American tour this fall.

Click here for tour dates and info.

Thank you for becoming part of our growing Peace Through Music society and for sharing the love with your family and friends.

Mark Johnson and members of the PFC Band on The Colbert Report tonight!

Jeremy Goulder — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:53:45 -0400

Hello everyone. Just a quick reminder that Mark Johnson will be on the Colbert Report tonight! Mark will also be joined by PFC Band members Grandpa Elliott, Peter Bunetta, Reggie McBride, and David Sancious (former keyboardist and guitarist of the E Street Band) to perform a song or two as well-- you won't want to miss it!

Tune in or set your DVR to Comedy Central tonight at 11:30pm / 10:30c to see the show.

Mark Johnson on Tavis Smiley

Jeremy Goulder — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:50:20 -0400

Mark Johnson will be appearing on PBS' Tavis Smiley Show this Tuesday, August 11th. For local listings, click here. Please spread the word among your friends and family members to tune in!

PFC on Tavis Smiley and the Colbert Report!

Jeremy Goulder — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:18:38 -0400

Hello Playing For Change Community! I want to share some exciting news with you. This Monday, August 10, Mark Johnson will make an appearance on the Tavis Smiley show (click here for info on local showtimes).

And then, on Wednesday, August 12, Mark will be joined by Grandpa Elliott, Peter Bunetta, Reggie McBride, and David Sancious (former keyboardist and guitarist of the E Street Band) on the Colbert Report! I hope you'll join me in tuning in to Comedy Central at 11:30pm / 10:30c to see Mark and the guys with Stephen Colbert!

There's lots more exciting news coming up soon, so be sure to check back frequently-- or Join the Movement for regular updates!

PFC on PBS all month long in August!

Jeremy Goulder — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:16:44 -0400

A 57 minute version of our feature length documentary film, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music," is going to air nationally on PBS throughout August-- click here for the schedule! Over the course of this film, you will not only have the chance to see and hear new amazing performances from around the world, but you will also get to meet the musicians who make them so special.

Additional screenings are being scheduled by PBS daily, so for the most up to date listing check with your local station. We will also be updating the screening schedule linked above often-- this schedule is current as of July 30th right now.

There is no better way to introduce your friends and family to Playing For Change than through this film, so please share this information with your loved ones!

PFC Band Fall Tour Dates Announced!

Jeremy Goulder — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:36:44 -0400

I am thrilled to announce that the Playing For Change Band will be taking to the road this Fall for a month of performances in the U.S. and Canada! We've got 22 gigs slated between October 20th and November 19th. For a complete listing of dates and venues, and to purchase tickets, click here. Through this link, you'll also be able to access our pre-sale, available exclusively to our community members! (Tickets for some gigs are not yet on sale-- please keep checking back at playingforchange.com/news for updates on ticket availability.)

I know there are a lot of excited people out there that would love to see this band, but do not live in North America. Thank you all for your amazing support of this global movement. We are already starting to plan a follow up tour in other countries, so stay tuned-- there is more to come! In the meantime, I hope to see you at one of our gigs sometime soon!

PFC on WWOZ in New Orleans

Jeremy Goulder — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:05:18 -0400

While the band was in New Orleans two weeks ago, they performed a three song set live on WWOZ radio. I shot some footage while the band was in the studio, and I would love to share it with you all.

Jon Walls was kind enough to edit three of these pieces together-- here's the first:

Grandpa Elliott Discusses how he got Involved with PFC

Jeremy Goulder — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:16:44 -0400

Here's another great moment from our on-air set at WWOZ in New Orleans. In between two of our songs, the DJ asked Grandpa Elliott how he first got involved with Playing For Change, and his response created a really beautiful moment.

PFC on PBS in August

Jeremy Goulder — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:45:00 -0400

An abridged version of the feature length documentary film, Playing For Change: Peace Through Music, is going to be broadcast on PBS stations across the United States in the month of August!

In the next couple days we will be posting stations and screening times so that you can find out when this film will be screening in your area. So be sure to check back soon, and tell your friends and family to tune in with you!

Photos from our show at Tipitina's

Jeremy Goulder — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:26:48 -0400

Hey everyone, we just uploaded some photos from last Saturday's show at Tipitina's, check them out!

PFC featured on ABC's World News with Charles Gibson

Jeremy Goulder — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:28:25 -0400

Mark Johnson and the musicians from Playing For Change were just featured as "Persons of the Week" by Charles Gibson on ABC's World News. It is always exciting to have the opportunity to share this project with fresh eyes and ears who have not experienced it yet, and Charles Gibson did a great job of that tonight.

Living in LA, I don't usually have the opportunity to share these moments with my family, however I am currently home on vacation, and was fortunate enough to be able to watch this broadcast with my family, which was really special.

If you missed the show tonight, or would like to share it with your friends or family, you can watch it on ABC's website.

Mark Johnson featured as keynote speaker at TED

Jeremy Goulder — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:46:47 -0400

Playing For Change and founder Mark Johnson received a rousing standing ovation from the technorati at the TED Convention in Oxford, England. The theme of the conference was “The Substance of Things Not Seen,” but the 600 attendees were moved by the very visible substance of our "Stand By Me" and “War No More Trouble” videos. Among those in attendance was actress Cameron Diaz, who showed her appreciation with a hug for Mark.

Click here for a summary of Mark's presentation. As soon as TED posts the video feed from Mark's speech, we will let you know!

Titi Tsira, Welcome to PFC!

Jeremy Goulder — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:34:45 -0400

I'd like to take a moment to officially welcome a new musician to the Playing For Change Movement: Titi Tsira. We first met this lovely young woman in Guguletu, South Africa, at a concert held to celebrate the opening of the Playing For Change Foundation's Ntonga Music School in the Spring of 2009. As soon as we heard Titi's voice, it was love at first sight-- or, in this case, love at first sound.

She joined the PFC Band for an amazing performance at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, and then traveled with the band to New Orleans to perform again with us at Tipitina's last Saturday.

We are very excited to add her beautiful voice to the Playing For Change Band's global chorus. Though our Summer Tour just ended, we're planning a Fall Tour which is going to be out of this world. I hope to see you at one of our shows soon, so you can enjoy Titi and the rest of the PFC Band live on stage-- it's an experience you won't soon forget!

Farewell For Now

Joel Goulder — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:18:45 -0400

It was a beautiful last day in New Orleans. Spirits were high among the band and crowd. Once the first note was played, I just knew that this show was going to be something special. And it was. The concert at Tipitina’s was the longest show to date. The band played 23 songs during their performance, lasting over 2 hours. It was truly an extraordinary night of music and celebration.

It’s amazing to think that after spending a month on the road, together with the most passionate and talented musicians imaginable, it has come to a close. Still, I thought it was going to be more difficult to say goodbye than it was. I think it's because it isn’t goodbye forever. It’s just a break so everyone can go back home, and share some stories with their family and friends. It’s a time for reflection. It’s a time for thankfulness. There is something very special happening with Playing For Change. Our family is growing every day and you feel that love permeate everywhere you go.