Playing for Change Foundation

The Playing For Change Foundation

The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) is thrilled to announce the opening of their first music school, the Ntonga Music School, in Gugulethu, South Africa! Located just 30 minutes outside of Cape Town, the school will provide the children with valuable skills development and mentorship designed to instill self-esteem and confidence.

From basic music reading and writing to performance and production; the Ntonga Music School will provide a safe, creative outlet for the children while connecting them to other students around the world through music. It is the first school of its kind in the area and will be a source of great pride and inspiration for years to come.

Playing For Change Band Tour Highlights

This episode is a combination of live performance clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and artist interviews from the Playing For Change Band's 5-city promotional tour earlier this year. By watching this episode, you'll get a great sense of what the PFC Band is all about, and a slice of life from the individual musicians who make it such a special experience. We hope you enjoy this piece, and share it with your friends and family!

Person {Persons} of the Week: Playing for Change

Founder Travels the World to Promote Peace Through Music
Mark Johnson's Foundation, Playing for Change, Funds Music Schools Across the Globe.

Filmmaker Mark Johnson had a simple idea -- that the world can be connected through music.

Johnson's dream began a decade ago in a New York City subway. He heard two monks playing music -- one had a nylon guitar and the other was singing. They were wearing robes and painted white from head to toe. About 200 people had stopped to watch them, ignoring the train as it came and went. Johnson realized he was standing in the midst of a group that normally wouldn't converge -- they were brought together by the music.

Along the way, Johnson founded Playing for Change, a foundation that seeks to unite musicians and bring people together while promoting peace. It funds music schools around the world -- the first just opened in South Africa........Rest Here

Stand By Me


Visit Playing for Change for a number of video's of this group, and the songs, of talented musicians from around the World.

Mystery Train

It was a hot afternoon in New Orleans when we first recorded Washboard Chaz in front of the Spotted Cat playing his version of Mystery Train. Chaz and Roberto often played shows together and we thought Roberto's steel guitar would be a great addition to the track. Months later on a return visit to New Orleans, we recorded Roberto on a stoop in the French Quarter. Together they are the Mystery Train moving on down the tracks.

Playing for Change: Songs Around The World
Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music.

Playing For Change: Live Tonight 7.18.09

Tipitina's Live Webcast From New Orleans, July 18 10PM CT

We just received word that our performance in New Orleans this Saturday, July 18 is going to be webcast live from Tipitina's website! So, if you're not able to make it to the show, you can check it out online at Tipitina's beginning at approximately 10PM CST.

The band's rehearsing at the Music Shed in New Orleans right now, and they sound so good! I hope you'll tune in Saturday night-- hearing these guys perform live is truly a special experience. And please pass the above link around to your friends and family!

One Love,
Playing For Change

A Primer: War, No More Trouble


Or Two: One Love

Playing For Change: Song Around the World "One Love"

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes an incredible rendition of the legendary Bob Marley song "One Love" with Keb' Mo' and Manu Chao. This is the third video from the documentary and a follow up to the classic "Stand By Me" and the incredible "Don't Worry." Released in celebration of Bob Marley's birthday on February 6th, this tribute to the legend is performed by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe. This video will be available soon at iTunes and will also be available on CD/DVD on 4.28.09 everywhere music is sold.

Playing For Change:

Peace Through Music Trailer

Extended Trailer from 2008 Tribeca Premiere music documentary showcasing how a small group of independent filmmakers traveled the world in search of hope and inspiration through music, JOIN THE MOVEMENT at Playing For Change Help connect the world through music!