Playing for Change: Songs around the World

So I was browsing Facebook the other day and came across a link from a friend of mine. Oftentimes I ignore these, but she had previously linked me to the brilliant Oren Lavie music video. So I clicked on it, and for the next five and a half minutes, I was covered in goosebumps. Judge for yourself.




After watching that, I did a little research into the organization behind it and what they were doing. From their website:



The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) is dedicated to connecting the world through music by providing resources (including but not limited to facilities, supplies and educational programs) to musicians and their communities around the world. PFCF supports projects inspired by the communities featured in the Playing For Change documentary film series.


You may think, 'Well that's great but the world needs more than just a few new musicians. There are real problems.' The foundation is pitching in there as well, not only building both a music and arts center in South Africa, but working to rebuild and improve Tibetan refugee centers in Dharamsala, India and Kathmandu, Nepal. Beyond this, they're also working with the RED(WIRE) group to fight AIDS in Africa.

I guess what makes this whole thing relevant is that we're at a time in the world when many of us seem to be at each other's throats, and really, I can't remember a time when that wasn't the case. We have almost anything at our fingertips, information in a heartbeat and entertainment almost as fast, and just as forgettable. But watching these videos of street performers, professional musicians, and ordinary people all over the world taking a song and an instrument, or just their voice, and building something together is inspiring. They really are trying, in a decidedly unique way, to make a change.

Music has in a lot of cases, devolved into something to make a quick buck or discuss a failed relationship. This documentary and CD has the power to inject a meaning and relevance back into the musical mainstream, and do it without the star power of U2 or Kanye West. I really hope that it succeeds.



The Playing for Change CD/DVD "Songs Around the World" drops next Tuesday, April 28th. Please read more about the foundation at their website: Playing For Change

web address: http://suicidegirls.com/news/music/23659/Playing-for-Change-Songs-around-the-World/