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.
We
built a mobile recording studio, equipped with all the same equipment
used in the best studios, and travelled 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!
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.
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 transformed 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!
Support the Foundation: playingforchange.org
Follow us on
Facebook: facebook.com/PlayingForChange