The mystical call of the earth surrounds us, and Bob Marley’s teachings about love, freedom, and peace inspire us to keep his legacy alive.

“There’s a natural mystic blowing through the air”

Every year, Playing For Change has been inspired to create peace through music by following Bob Marley’s messages about love, peace and music, and producing songs and videos which have inspired millions of people across the world, uniting them through music one heart and one song at a time.

Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom?

Today we are honored to keep on sharing his message through his most legendary songs. Throughout #blackhistorymonth, let’s keep on playing for those who stand up for our rights!

Get up, stand up for your rights

Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel to check out our special Youtube playlist and supporters blog in honor of the many contributions people of African descent have made in the history of music and the world.

The post Bob Marley’s 77th Anniversary: Celebrating the Life of a Legend appeared first on Playing For Change.

The beauty of cultural diversity is represented in our Songs Around The World in many ways.  Every time we record a new song, each musician provides their own representation of diversity reflected in their musical style, influences, and backgrounds.

When we listen to different music genres, not only do we open our minds and expand our knowledge about musical culture, we also discover the history and cultural roots behind the composition and rhythm.

Jazz, Soul, Rhythm and Blues: The Legacy of Diversity

Since the beginning, music has been one of the best artistic ways to express our thoughts and feelings. This freedom of expression is what makes music such a diverse medium that creates new genres and subgenres from their classical roots.

One good example of this is the creation of “jazz rap,” born from the hardcore hip hop scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Other similar genres have also evolved throughout the years. “Hip hop soul,” a subgenre of contemporary R&B, has been rising in popularity, fusing the remarkable beats of hip-hop with soothing melodic elements of soul, R&B and jazz.

“Colors” by Black Pumas takes listeners on an emotional self-reflective journey that explores the beauty, diversity, and unity in the world.

The Evolution of Blues: Nu Blues

Blues has also been part of this musical evolution. In fact, much of the modern music we know today has been highly influenced by the blues genre for its common AAB lyrical structure—the most common traditional song form for songwriters found in rock ‘n’ roll and blues music.

The “Nu” in blues music, or any other genre, is referred to as “a new take” or a modern version of a particular musical style. This new take can include adding a mixture of new instruments like electric guitars and synthesizers, or infusing elements of other genres like rock, hip-hop, folk and electronic music.

“Queen Bee” is a soulful single from Taj Mahal’s 1997 studio album, Señor Blues, which won a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

From Work Songs to the Inspiration for Social Movements

Blues music evolved throughout the 19th century in the southern region of the USA, however, the influence of African-American music derived from enslaved Africans transported to the North American Colonies. These songs about plantation and daily life, often referred to as spirituals, were combined with African rhythms, giving birth to the roots of the blues genre.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century, after the emancipation of enslaved people and the end of the Civil War, that different styles of blues emerged like jazz blues, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. New musicians, like B.B King, Elmore James and Louis Armstrong, were just the beginning of a new musical era.

“Glory” is interpreted by American singer and songwriter, John Legend, in the movie “Selma,” a film about Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for civil rights.

Today, blues and gospel music have been catalysts in expressing our stand against injustices in the world. The power of music has helped shape our society, empower people and promote change.  Here are some examples of the contributions Playing For Change has made for social diversity:

“Playing For Change” is an original song written by our dear friend, GRAMMY award-winning singer/songwriter, Sara Bareilles and features Chris Pierce, the PFC Band and musicians from six countries.

We invite you to enjoy this 2020 Song Around The World rendition of “Get Up Stand Up” featuring Skip and Cedella Marley.

Written more than 50 years ago, the Bob Dylan classic “The Times They Are A-Changin” is as relevant today as it was then.

Let’s keep on celebrating diversity! Take a look at this special #blackhistorymonth playlist, in honor of the many contributions people of African descent have made to music and the world.

Click here to play the full playlist.

Discover the world through the lens of music – explore our video catalog and check out new videos premiered during our Peace Through Music: A Global Event For The Environment.

The post Jazz, Soul, Rhythm, and Blues: The Legacy of Diversity appeared first on Playing For Change.

The pre-eminent classical tabla virtuoso of our time, Zakir Hussain, is appreciated both in the field of percussion and in the music world at large as an international phenomenon and one of the world’s most esteemed and influential musicians. The foremost disciple of his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, Zakir was a child prodigy who began his professional career at the age of twelve, accompanying India’s greatest classical musicians and dancers and touring internationally with great success by the age of eighteen. 

The tabla is the percussion instrument most commonly used in north Indian classical music. The instrument consists of two drums, called bayan (left) and dayan (right) as per the hand they are most commonly played with. The drums consist of a layer of goatskin stretched over a metal or clay vessel.

Zakir Hussain is considered an architect of the contemporary world music movement, collaborating with artists such as Mickey Hart, Belá Fleck, Charles Lloyd, Eric Harland and many more contemporary artists.

As a composer and educator, Zakir has scored for numerous films, major events and productions around India, Europe and the United States. He has also conducted many workshops at Princeton University and Stanford University and received two honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and Indira Kala Sangit.

Zakir Hussain named Percussionist of the Year by the 68th DownBeat Critics Poll

What is Hindustani (North Indian) Classical Music?

Hindustani Classical Music, also known as North Indian Classical Music (NICM) is an Indian musical tradition born of the Vedic scriptures from over 6,000 years ago, these scriptures then developed into chants and musical notes, rhythms and variations.

This genre is usually associated with nature and the natural phenomena of seasons, which creates “ragas” or musical moods, and “taals” or cycles. The complexity of this genre is why most of the performances are improvised within the structure of notes and mathematics, creating a spontaneous melody and providing us with a unique moment in every performance.

Why does Indian music sound so different from western music? 

A raga or raag (: rāga; also raaga or ragam; literally “coloring, tingeing, dyeing”]) is a melodic framework for improvisation akin to a melodic mode in Indian classical music. The rāga is a unique and central feature of the classical Indian music tradition, and as a result has no direct translation to concepts in classical European music.[4][5] Each rāga is an array of melodic structures with musical motifs, considered in the Indian tradition to have the ability to “colour the mind” and affect the emotions of the audience.

Don’t miss the master of tabla, Zakir Hussain December 15th, 2021 at Peace Through Music: A Global Event For The Environment.

Follow Zakir Hussain on social media for more updates!

Website:http://www.zakirhussain.com/?fbclid=IwAR1Cz0onnmmNYBPI-hya6B05RdqETgxiZvLnteVXaBxa_CkIXYrZgLndsEQ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zakir-Hussain-22955051480 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZakirHtabla 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakir_hussain_ji/ 

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DDCjHWtL6jTl1B5wG8tF6?si=6pRkxTdjRRyWOfg8ZhKLag

Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/zakir-hussain/1526097 

Check out Zakir Hussain’s Biography “A Life in Music:” 

The post The Master of Tabla: Zakir Hussain appeared first on Playing For Change.

FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY BAABA MAAL, BEN HARPER, BLACK PUMAS, GIOVANNI HIDALGO, JACK JOHNSON, JAKE SHIMABUKURO, KEB’ MO’, LINIKER, MICKEY HART, PAULA FUGA, RHIANNON GIDDENS, RODRIGO Y GABRIELA, ROSANNE CASH, SARA BAREILLES,  SIKIRU ADEPOJU, SLASH, STEPHEN PERKINS (JANE’S ADDICTION), TAJ MAHAL, THE LUMINEERS,  THE POCKET QUEEN, TONY KANAL (NO DOUBT), YUSUF / CAT STEVENS, ZAKIR HUSSAIN …. AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY ROBBIE ROBERTSON, SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, AND UNFPA’S DR. NATALIA KANEM

PRESENTED BY CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS

STAR-STUDDED EVENT TO PREMIERE DECEMBER 15th EXCLUSIVELY ON PLAYING FOR CHANGE’S YOUTUBE 

VISIT PLAYINGFORCHANGE.COM FOR MORE INFO

Los Angeles, CA — November 9, 2021 — Today, Playing For Change and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announce Peace Through Music: A Global Event for the Environment, set for December 15th. The event will feature more than 200 artists from more than 35 countries, including Black Pumas, Jack Johnson, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Sara Bareilles, Slash, and The Lumineers, together with world leaders and influencers, to join the fight for Planet Earth. The event will be broadcast on December 15th at 6 p.m. PST / 9 p.m. EST (2 a.m. GMT December 16th) on the Playing For Change YouTube channel.

The online event and fundraiser is produced by Playing For Change in partnership with UNFPA, and seeks to unite the world in taking action for a sustainable future and advance progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The harmful effects of human activity on the environment are impacting populations and their ecosystems around the globe, threatening to set back development efforts by decades. Those with the fewest resources and opportunities will be most susceptible, particularly the most vulnerable populations.

Through the universal language of music and the art of storytelling, Peace Through Music: A Global Event for The Environment will raise global awareness and call for real action for environmental sustainability. It will embody the unity and common purpose that beats in the heart of humanity for the protection of our only home: our planet.

Artist performances, Songs Around The World and special documentaries will also capture the beauty and fragility of the environment during the hour-long event.  

This year’s event  follows the resounding success of 2020’s Peace Through Music: A Global Event for Social Justice, which featured more than 200 musicians — including Aloe Blacc, Annie Lennox, Becky G, Brandi Carlile, Carlos and Cindy Blackman Santana, Gary Clark Jr. and Ringo Star — from more than 40 countries and received 4+ million views, raising more than $1 million for charity partners.

All net proceeds will go to organizations that prioritize real time solutions that facilitate environmental justice and sustainability, including Conservation International, American Rivers, World Wildlife Fund, REVERB, and the Playing For Change Foundation. Part of the funds raised will advance education programs led by the Playing For Change Foundation with the support of UNFPA to positively impact the lives and choices of adolescents and youth around the globe. 

“During this important time in human history, we are honored to continue our partnership with the United Nations for our 2021 Peace Through Music global event for the environment. Through music, we eliminate boundaries, hierarchy, and status. Through stories and ideas, we learn from our Indigenous ancestors how to listen to the rhythm of our planet,” says Mark Johnson, Playing For Change Co-Founder.

“Climate change multiplies existing inequalities and vulnerabilities, disrupts access to life-saving health services and limits people’s ability to exercise their fundamental rights and choices. We know we must work together to achieve real change, and music has the power to unite, energize and inspire us as we confront these challenges together and work towards a better future,” says Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director UNFPA.

“Corning Gorilla Glass is excited to partner with Playing For Change again this year to support their mission of bringing music and unity to the world. We believe that it is essential that we support initiatives that are bigger than all of us and make our environment, our lives better. And, we are thrilled that devices featuring our Gorilla Glass technology are playing a small, yet critical role in this event driving collaboration and connection,” says Scott Forester, Division Vice President, Business Director, Corning® Gorilla® Glass. 

For more information about Peace Through Music: A Global Event for the Environment, please visit playingforchange.com.

ABOUT PLAYING FOR CHANGE

Playing For Change (PFC) is a Certified B Corp (Social Purpose Corporation) and multimedia company created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. PFC spreads their positive message for humanity to millions of people through inspiring multicultural music videos, a live global touring band and a 501c3 foundation supporting music education around the world.

ABOUT UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive agency, is one of the organizers of the event. UNFPA’s mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. 

ABOUT CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS

Since its launch in 2007, Corning® Gorilla® Glass has been designed into more than 8 billion devices by more than 45 major brands. Throughout the company’s Mobile Consumer Electronics Market-Access Platform, Corning continues its legacy of innovation with market-leading cover glasses, as well as glass and optics for semiconductor products, that enhance performance, deliver new connectivity features, enable new designs, and support immersive user experiences with augmented reality and 3D sensing.

The post PLAYING FOR CHANGE AND THE UNITED NATIONS ANNOUNCE “PEACE THROUGH MUSIC: A GLOBAL EVENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT” appeared first on Playing For Change.

Discover how music can change lives and unite the world through the stories of these artists!

Miryam Quiñones

A tenacious promoter of contemporary Peruvian and Latin American music, Miryam Quiñones has visited more than 22 countries, sharing her music with a strong foundation on the beauty of poetry and the power of words.

How did you discover Playing For Change?

I remember someone posted a video on Facebook like 3 or 4 years ago, it was the year 2017 or 2018 where I participated in PFC Day and I wished to take part because I thought the idea of connecting the world through music sounded beautiful, the idea of celebrating a day where everyone around the world joined in some way through art, music or any other artistic expression, there is also the fact that by doing these activities we help a good and necessary cause, so I got thrilled with the idea.

The spirit that I’ve found on Playing For Change’s proposal is to join and create a universal chain between people and music from every country, color, and language.

How did your passion for music start?

Music has always been part of my home because there was a guitar laying on the corner of our living room that belonged to my father. He played it like a hobby so music became natural for us.

When I was a kid they told me my voice was pretty tuned but we never thought that music would become my way of life because my parents had different plans for me and my brothers, they thought about a more traditional way of living like getting a degree and working in a company or something like that.

Turns out that when I was about to finish high school I discovered Silvio Rodríguez’s songs when my brother was playing his song “Ojalá”. It was at that moment that his music got me hooked! I say it as a joke but it’s true that he got me into the way of creating art with music because that was like a wake-up call for me, it was a new discovery and something so different from what I used to listen to on the radio, or the disks that my brothers used to play, it was like poetry that you could sing and the message was deep and full of reflection, it was like a special type of chant.

After that I went to college to study communications and for my good luck, there was a workshop group for Latin American music where I discovered a lot of singer songwriters that I didn’t know existed. It started as a hobby but soon started to become more necessary for me because I was a really shy girl and I realized that the songs helped me to express myself, they told stories I wanted to share with others but couldn’t express and I felt like that person who lived in another place, in another time, thinks the same way I do, that’s why I started to sing those songs.

It was kind of complicated because of my family’s expectations, they didn’t want me to be an artist but we managed to make a deal where my parents told me to finish my studies, and only then I could make my way through music. I guess they thought it was just a phase but it never passed, so I got my bachelor’s degree as they wanted and I started to dedicate myself to music, beginning a new life, a new career, and new places.

What instruments do you play and which one’s your favorite?

I play the guitar. I’m not an expert guitar player because I think singing is what I’m very good at but I can sing and play without trouble and I can do a full concert by myself, however, I do prefer to sing with more musicians. I also play a few percussion instruments like “cajón Peruano” or the ukulele which I just started playing.

As a musician, what do you think is the most challenging thing about writing and composing a song?

To be an artist (no matter where you are) it’s already complicated, of course, it’s more complicated in some places than in others. Being a “trovador” it’s a lot more challenging because this proposal is not commercial at all, you don’t just reach a lot of people and fill stadiums like Silvio Rodriguez, we move on a smaller circle with fewer people and some of us don’t have the resources to hire someone so we have to do it ourselves. I do that job myself and the career I picked really helped with spreading my work. Sometimes I have to go out looking fresh and rested but something comes up right before I get on stage and I have to take care of that myself.

There’s also a lot of new artists around the world that we haven’t heard of because they haven’t been able to become that popular amongst people, sometimes the public asks me who the author of the song is and I’m happy to share that because it helps to spread the work of my colleagues, that’s why I thought “Musicians Spotlight” was an amazing idea because it helps musicians spread their music around the world and reach more people.

What’s the best experience you’ve had playing on stage?

Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had was when Silvio Rodriguez invited me to perform at his concert in Lima, Peru. He hasn’t been to Peru in more than 20 years and when my friends and I found out he was going to perform again we immediately got tickets, then suddenly I got an email where he invited me to take part in his concert so of course I accepted! That is what marked my career because at that moment I thought: ”I think I’m heading the right way, this is for me.”

Later I’ve had other amazing guests like Vicente Feliú, we recorded a very special album called Con El Alma en Vilo along with other guests: Jorge Fandermole, Alberto Rojo, Augusto Blanca, and Teresa Parodi. I also have a very emblematic single with Silvio Rodriguez called “El Necio” and of course all of this is very hard work but I feel the reward is worth it in the end.

Do you consider music as a way to connect people? How so?

The magic within this type of music and proposals is that it transcends time and space, it’s a very human feeling and it doesn’t matter whether the song has been composed 50 years ago at the time of Cuban revolution or yesterday, it’s emotion that touches the roots of a person’s life no matter where they are, it helps us understand that each of us has problems, happiness, dreams, hopes and illusions, we fall in and out of love and is that kind of connection that helps people, that is the reason why this music is so powerful, because of the beauty of the message itself. A friend of mine used to say that the ethic and aesthetics of a song have to come together to form a beautiful song and offer sincerity in its words, so you can believe what the artist is saying.

Tell us about your future projects:

I am planning to collaborate with some Peruvian singer songwriters to perform a few local songs, fortunately, I’ve been granted the Bicentennial Seal which is an initiative to support projects that promote Peruvian Independence as a historic event, so recently I made a tribute to the Peruvian Song in the “Museo de América” here in Madrid. I also won the Ibermusicas 2020 contest which led me to make a tour around Argentina.  I’m also currently working on musicalized poetry and recently offered two virtual concerts in the Gran Teatro Nacional (in tribute to Chabuca Granda) and the Británico Cultural (contemporary Peruvian songbook).

Want to listen to more of Miryam’s work? Check out her social media:

Miryam’s Official Website:
www.miryamquinones.com

Follow Miryam on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/MiryamQuinonesOficial
https://www.instagram.com/quinonesmiryam/
https://twitter.com/miryamquinones

Stay tuned for more artists soon and check out our Songs Around The World, featuring even more talented musicians!

The post Musicians Spotlight: Miryam Quiñones appeared first on Playing For Change.

At the end of May, we chatted with our friend AJ Fountain from folk jam band A Brother’s Fountain who was embarking on a road trip across the Southwest USA with his bandmates in their 1979 RV, performing pop concerts along the way. Read “Music That Fills You Up | Part 1” here. The trip took them across New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah with the mission of reconnecting with each other and spreading the power of music. This trip, called the “Fill Me Up Tour,” was a success and we recently caught up with AJ to learn about the band’s experience…

Walk us through a typical day on the road during your “Fill Me up Tour?”

No two days were the same out on the road as we were often waking up somewhere new.  One thing that was really impactful was every day we would start with a morning “devotion”, where someone would lead us into an intentional discussion followed by solo quiet time, and then we would come back and all chat about our experience.  It was really powerful to press into intentionality with each other and our friends on the road who joined us.  After our morning time we would generally make a plan for the day, where we needed to get to, any gas station shows we would be doing, who’s driving, etc., and then go get after it.  

What was your favorite place you visited and why?

It’s really hard to say one spot considering the amount of beautiful Southwest America we experienced so I’ll name a few.  Flagstaff welcomed us in with open arms, and the high elevation made it a welcome respite from the desert heat.  We loved Southeast Utah as well.  We got to play a show at a steakhouse in a tiny town called Mexican Hat with a population of 14. Considering about 7 people were there watching us, that’s half the town that showed up! Moab never ceases to take our breath away with the beautiful pink and orange rocks and meandering Colorado River running through it.  Northern New Mexico was also a dream, filled with mountains, rushing rivers and friendly people. 

What were some of the things you learned that fills people up?

We were able to meet lots of great people along our journey and ask them what filled them up in life.  There were some really great answers.  People mentioned meeting new people, jamming out and making music, travelling, pressing into relationships, camping and seeing new places.  A whole lot of things we couldn’t do during Covid lockdowns.

For example we met one guy at a gas station outside of Las Vegas who was 20 years old, quit his retail job in Arkansas and was roadtripping north to Montana to start a new life.  He was also a musician and graced us with the most beautiful couple of songs in a gas station parking lot.  His answer was fitting in that he was filled up by the freedom to start fresh in life, exploring new and wild places and the ability to keep playing his music.  

How were you filled up on this tour?

We were able to participate throughout our tour in a number of things that fill us up in life.  We got the opportunity to do things we love like rafting down the Colorado River for four days, going on a 5 day backpacking trip in Zion National Park, and witnessing loads of epic desert vistas camping along the way.  We were also filled up by the jams, meeting new people, exploring new places, and pressing into our own friendships. What we found that was interesting is that we can often be filled up the most when we put ourselves in challenging situations.  

Were there any challenges that you faced along your journey? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

O yes, there were plenty of those, as any good adventure should have.  We were challenged by the sheer magnitude of 4000 miles of driving in an old 1979 RV throughout a desert with no AC and a loud hot engine constantly humming by our feet.  We were also challenged by the concept of playing music for little to no people at gas stations, forcing us to examine if we could get as excited about playing our music without the fans present as we did when they were there.  We were also challenged by the daunting task of filming the whole thing.  Any time something important was happening we had to be the one’s to get the cameras rolling and in focus as there was no film crew there to assist us.  Lastly, living in an RV for a month with a group of guys can be a lot of “life on life” as we say, and very little alone time, so we had to work through relational challenges throughout the journey.  Any one of those tasks is a tall order, but doing all of them at the same time was definitely exhausting and pushed us to overcome together in tremendous ways.  

One of your hopes for this trip was to grow closer to your best friend’s and bandmates. Was this accomplished and if so, in what ways?

Waking up and going to sleep together every day there was a lot of time in between to press into our friendship in various ways.  Whether it was sharing some of the hardest belly laughs at silly situations, or problem solving logistics and relational friction every day.  But we’re proud of the way we did it, staying humble, quick to forgive, and always willing to have a laugh.  The morning’s intentional times allowed us to talk about what was going on in ‘real life’ back at home and off the road, and we ended up getting very vulnerable with each other, it was incredible.  The times we spent together out there were beyond special and we’ll hold them in our hearts the rest of our lives. 

What was the greatest highlight of the trip? What did you learn?

I think the greatest highlight of the trip for me was the connections formed with people.  Connecting with the friends and family who joined us for various legs, and also the complete strangers who we met along the way who quickly also became like  friends and family.

We learned that it pays to ask people how they’re truly doing and listen.  We learned how to give and take, living on top of each other for so long.  Lastly, we learned how to turn on our flashers and wave people around who were interested or able in going faster than we were.  

Is there anyone or anything that truly made this trip a success in your eyes?

This trip was a success because of a lot of different people and factors.  Without our individual and brand sponsors we couldn’t have pulled this trip off, so a thousand thank you’s to them.  I would say the amount of hours we put into planning how this trip could be legendary ahead of departure has to be mentioned as well, without that intentional forethought the trip just wouldn’t have been as epic.  Of course having the best friends and bandmates anyone could ever ask for has to be mentioned as a reason for some of the success.  Last but not least we have to thank God for the safety, depth and provision he provided throughout the journey.  

When will you be releasing the documentary about this trip and where can people watch it?

The release of the Fill Me Up Tour films will likely be in 2022.  We’re planning to release them as a series of episodes with a fun vlog style incorporated.  You can stay updated on the release by following along on our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or website.  

What’s next for A Brother’s Fountain?

Right now we are working hard to release our third album which we are beyond stoked about.  We are also finishing up our Only Music // South Africa film in the next few months so look out for that on the horizon. 

Of course we’ll get back out somewhere around the world for our next Only Music tour and plan to make it as saucy and spicy as all our last one’s.

Where would you like to see A Brother’s Fountain go on their next adventure? Be sure to follow them on their social media pages to stay updated on this amazing band and see how you can join us all in connecting the world through music. One love!

The post Music That Fills You Up | Part 2 appeared first on Playing For Change.

Inspired by a report from the BBC in October 1984, activist and composer Bob Geldof, along with his partner, musician Midge Ure, created a charity Christmas single together named “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” featuring Phil Collins, U2, and Duran Duran along with many other artists with the objective of raising awareness of the Ethiopian famine crisis during the 1980’s which claimed the life of an estimated 1 million people.

However, this collaboration was just the beginning. It wasn’t until the morning of July 13, 1985, that one of the biggest events in the history of rock music would take place. Over two billion people around the world would turn on their TVs to see the live broadcast of Live Aid—a 16 hour musical event held in London and Philadelphia that brought together some of the greatest musicians from the 80’s and raised funds to provide food, medicine, and other vital items for the crisis becoming one of the biggest and most successful charity events in the world.

With a lineup featuring more than 75 artists, including Elton John, Madonna, Carlos Santana, David Bowie, U2, and Eric Clapton, there’s no doubt that many of the viewers hold one specific moment of the show in their hearts, the moment where the legendary icon and frontman of Queen, Freddie Mercury, got on the stage along with Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor for a memorable 20 minute performance.

The quiet noises from the audience were suddenly awakened when Mercury started to play the first notes of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the stadium filled with singing voices and hands up in the air following the rhythm of “Radio Gaga.” But not only was Queen’s music legacy what made this performance one of the most memorable moments of Live Aid, Mercury’s charisma and creativity were also a living signature in each of Queen’s concerts and this time was no different. Without asking and with a single gesture, Mercury started to vocalize, followed by a perfectly synchronized audience, their voices following the artist’s gestures with an almost perfect pitch.

Without a doubt, Live Aid has proven that music can inspire people to act for a greater cause, reaching every single person in the world and creating a bond between all of us, an unbreakable bond that grows stronger when our hearts come together through the power of music.

Feel the spirit within these songs performed at Live Aid in the style of Playing For Change:

All You Need is Love (The Beatles) | Playing For Change

Imagine (John Lennon) | Playing For Change

Also, check out this playlist with the best rock jams from PFC:

The Weight | Featuring Ringo Starr and Robbie Robertson | Playing For Change

Listen to the Music feat. Tom Johnston (The Doobie Brothers) | Playing For Change

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door | Afro Fiesta w/Twanguero & I-Taweh | Playing For Change

Higher Ground 2020 (Stevie Wonder) | Playing For Change

The River | Citizen Cope | Playing For Change

Barre | Songhoy Blues | Playing For Change

The Times They Are A-Changin’ | Brandi Carlile w/Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) | Playing For Change

Black Water | The Doobie Brothers w/PFC Band Live in Los Angeles | Playing For Change

The post 20 minutes that changed the history of music: Remembering Live Aid 1985 appeared first on Playing For Change.

” with the purpose of celebrating the best of Jamaica’s musical creativity, uniting the reggae community around the world in one day.

Reggae Day was inspired by Winnie Mandela’s speech in Kingston, Jamaica in 1992 in which she admired the genre’s capacity to encourage, inspire and unite people.

Ever since its origins, reggae has been a huge influence in Jamaica’s cultural and musical roots mixing African and European instruments like guitar, bongo, and banjo, creating the foundations for the genre and inspiring others to follow the philosophy of Rastafari culture, giving birth to iconic figures like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Toots & The Maytals, among others.

We invite you to celebrate this day with this special playlist from our PFC musicians:

Mr. Bobby | Afro Fiesta featuring I-Taweh | Playing For Change | Live Outside

“Originally by Manu Chao”

Soul Rebel featuring Bunny Wailer and Manu Chao | Song Around The World | Playing For Change

“Originally by Bob Marley & The Wailers”

The post Celebrate International Reggae Day! appeared first on Playing For Change.

This month we reconnected with AJ Fountain from the Colorado based folk jam band A Brother’s Fountain to talk about the next installment of their Only Music series — a collection of experiments involving the power of music. We last spoke to  AJ and the band in 2019 when they went on a musical expedition to South Africa with no money, food, or outside support whatsoever. All they had were their instruments, the clothes on their back, and an unbreakable spirit and determination to put the power of music to the test. They even stopped by the Playing For Change Foundation’s Imvula Music Program in Gugulethu along the way. Check out more about that trip here.

The Fill Me Up Tour

This next installment of the band’s Only music series is called the “Fill Me Up Tour” which will take the band on a road trip into the Southwest USA from May 7th until June 5th, 2021.

What fills you up? This is a question we asked ourselves after a long and lonely road that COVID-19 put us all through. Now, the world is opening back up, and we want to be filled back up, and know there are many who could also use a pick-me-up. This road trip will be filled with all of our favorite people (insert: best friends, strangers), activities (insert: climbing, rafting, backpacking, camping, busking), and some good old fashioned spontaneity (insert: costumes, random acts of kindness, pranks). 

-AJ Fountain, A Brother’s Fountain

What’s the purpose of the “Fill Me Up Tour?”
The concept was based on the premise of us wanting to explore our friendship in an intentional way and in the 1979 RV we had bought. We didn’t really want to pursue this trip in the traditional tour sense, with gigs lined up, so we had the crazy idea to play a pop up show every time we would need to get gas for our rig we affectionately call Ole’ Boy Georgie.  All along the way asking ourselves and others what actually fills us up in life?  And furthermore, are we actually filled up right now, because we found a lot of us are a little off with the Covid epidemic happening across the world.

How did you come up with that name?
It was the perfect mix of what we actually had to do, loads of fill ups on our 28 foot gas guzzler, and what we wanted to ask ourselves and others, what fills us up in life?

Why did you all decide to take this tour across the Southwest USA?
The Southwest USA was the perfect spot for us on this trip because we are at least vaguely acquainted with some of the areas after having lived in Colorado for 10+ years and taking voyages to explore the surrounding states.  We knew a bit of the epicness of places like Zion, Taos, the Grand Canyon, and Flagstaff, and were eager to explore more.

Where in the Southwest USA will you be traveling?
The trip is mostly outdoor recreation based as this is what we love.  We’re hitting New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah.  So cities like Taos, Santa Fe, Flagstaff, and Moab. Basing our destinations largely around the most accessible places for our rig, and great places to camp, hike, backpack, raft and climb.

How will you decide where to stop to participate in activities and/or perform a pop-up concert?
We have an approximate itinerary that details all of the stops we’d like to hit and how many miles we need to go on each day, but we are definitely looking to stay open to opportunities to busk on the streets, play in local establishments, or jam with other musicians, in addition to our pop up concert at every gas station stop.  Also trying to leave ample time for stops to see various vistas and roadside attractions.

What instruments will you be bringing?
We have our Ovation guitar and bass which are durable and awesome.  A djembe, briefcase kick drum, and whatever instrument the different bandmates bring as they come for different portions, which will include a banjo, mandolin, saxophone and cello. We will do one battery powered amp for the bass, but the rest acoustic at the gas station concerts.

What do you hope to take away from this tour?
I’d like to stay open to what all could be learned from the journey, but foundationally I’d like to grow closer with my best friends and bandmates, play music for people pumping their gas and try to brighten their day a bit, and explore the beautiful landscapes and nature we are blessed with in Southwest USA.

How can we follow your journey?
We’ll be doing stories and going live on FB and Insta to keep folks updated.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abrothersfountain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.brothers.fountain
www.abrothersfountain.com

Be sure to follow A Brother’s Fountain on their journey and join us next month as we follow up with them to hear all about their trip. In the meantime, tell us, what fills you up?

One Love,

PFC

The post Music That Fills You Up | Part 1 appeared first on Playing For Change.

Earlier this month the students and teachers at the Playing For Change Foundation’s Bizung School of Music and Dance in Tamale, Ghana received a pleasant surprise with a visit from Grammy nominated Ghanaian recording artist Rocky Dawuni. Rocky is a long time supporter and friend of the PFC movement who’s been featured in a few of our videos including the Song Around The World “War/No More Trouble.”

PFC Communications Director and Producer J. Marie Jones caught up with Rocky after his visit to learn a bit about his trip:

J. Marie: What inspired you to visit the students at the Bizung School?

Rocky: I have always wanted to visit the Playing For Change Bizung School in Tamale because I am also from the northern part of Ghana. My collaborations with Playing For Change made it something that I needed to eventually do. I had travelled to my native village of Bunbon while on my way back the opportunity came for me to meet up with Alidu Muhammed and visit the school while doing press in Tamale for my new EP “Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1”

J. Marie: Did you perform for and/or with the students? If so, what songs?

Rocky: I got the opportunity to listen to the student showcase some of their original compositions which are based on indigenous local styles. I then collaborated in a jam session with the students which was wonderful.

J. Marie: Please describe your experience at the school?

Rocky: I was very impressed by the dedication of the students. I had the rare opportunity of having a deep conversation with them about the trials of choosing music as a life path especially in such a musically conservative environment. I also shared with them my own personal stories and how I overcame similar situations with the sheer force of my determination, dedication and love of music. 

J. Marie: What was the highlight of your visit at the school?

Rocky: The highlight of my visit to Bizung School was when I jumped on percussion and started jamming with all of the students who were playing xylophones along with Alidu Muhammed on percussion. We created a beautiful piece together. 

J. Marie: Why is it important to share music with the younger generations?

Rocky: Music is an important tool to create generational connection. Music also allows the transference and sharing of ideas. Ultimately, music serves as a tool to inspire all of us to be better at what we do.

All of us here at Playing For Change and our partners at the Playing For Change Foundation want to send a big THANK YOU to Rocky and his manager Cary for making this possible. The community at the Bizung School will cherish this day for years to come! To find out how you can support music schools and programs such as the Bizung School, please visit playingforchange.org.

The post Rocky Dawuni visits PFCF Bizung School appeared first on Playing For Change.