Playing For Change

On Friday, Joe, Nicole, Courtney & I, had the pleasure of heading to Cleveland for a show by Playing for Change. Playing for Change was started by 2 young guys who were inspired by street performers around the country (hence the name, playing for change - taken from the street performers who share their talents for change). This is their first tour & it was great! Since their founding, they have created a foundation to aid in building music schools in poor, remote parts of the world. Their mission is to share the peace & joy that music brings & to showcase the unity that music brings to people of all walks of life. It's truly amazing to see people on the streets of Ghanna & Amsterdam singing the same songs that we sing here!
The tour band features singers & musicians that have joined the cause from all over the world; South Africa, Congo, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, L.A., New York & everyone's favorite , Grandpa Elliott, from New Orleans. Grandpa Elliott was performing his soul music on the streets of New Orleans when he was discovered by the guys from Playing for Change. He talks about how his life has changed since joining this group- traveling around & performing - quite amazing considering he's in his late 60's & blind! His rendition of Amazing Grace is quite awesome!
Check out their website at www.playingforchange.com.