Blog
Aug 16, 2010
Amelia’s Blog, Week Three: Progress and Potential
The last two weeks have been hectic, hard but happening. In the second week I began defining key challenges at the school. The school currently has two main and accountable teachers and Pokie the visionary and director at the school. With the help of Titi, a Playing for Change Band member, and resident of Guguletu, I connected with local musicians and began to envision the potential at the school...
Aug 12, 2010
Electric Avenue Festival Set for Historic 5 Points in Denver, Colorado
On Labor Day weekend the streets of Historic Five Points in Downtown Denver will be closed off for the largest outdoor festival of its kind in the heart of the city center. Featuring a stellar line up of independent live music, Electric Avenue Music & Arts Festival boasts headliners Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Living Legends, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Pnuma Trio and even a Michael Jackson Tribute band aptly named “Who’s Bad” among others...
Aug 02, 2010
First Week at Ntonga Music School
My return to the Ntonga Music School has marked a week of opportunities, musical moments and challenging moments. As most remember, I studied at the University of Cape Town last spring volunteering at the Ntonga Music School every Sunday morning. This experience inspired my thesis in which I researched the Legacy of Apartheid in South Africa, with a focus on the Cape Flats, (the region where this school is located)...
Jul 22, 2010
A Delightful Return!
I was filled with exultation as the plane made its final descent into Cape Town. A year since departing, with a thesis on the Legacy of Apartheid in hand, I am returning to a country that inspires my efforts to fight for justice to continue my work with the Ntonga Music School, a community which has blessed me with its passion and dedication to music and youth...
Jun 24, 2010
First Month of Classes at the Bizung School of Music & Dance
The Bizung School of Music and Dance opened on May 17, 2010. Over 150 students have registered for classes and school is officially in session! PFC Band member Mohammed Alidu and his brother Abdul "Abraman" Rahaman have put together a comprehensive program of drumming, dance, xylophone, gonje, and singing. It is the 1st school of its kind in the Northern Region of Ghana. Copy this link and paste to your browser window to view the most recent photos from the school: http://tinyurl.com/2cz7tua
Jun 04, 2010
Music school in Kirina, Mali: work in progress (English/ Español/ Français) by Francois Viguie
A few months ago, the Playing for Change Foundation started its third music school on the African continent. The school is located in the village of Kirina, 40 kilometers south from Bamako, Mali. Kirina is a griot village without any electricity network and a place where the inhabitants live in little houses with straw roofs made of bricks that have dried from the sun's heat. The Griots play an essential role in the Malian culture: they transmit the oral traditions trough music and poetry. It is now our third trip to Kirina, thanks to our great friend and musician, Mahamadou Diabaté, brother of one of the greatest Kora players in the planet, Toumani Diabaté. (click “READ POST” to continue)
May 25, 2010
Meaghan pedals 1 week from today!
So, I have now left my home of Coastal CT to embark on my journey. I am with family in Brooklyn, NY before I head to Seattle tomorrow where I will chill for a week, getting things in order before I pedal on June 1st. Something amazing just happened the other day. My friend John Cleveland called me on Saturday as I was busily trying to get myself moved out and packed for my ride. He say's "I hope your sitting down." Why is it that when someone says something like that we immediately think negatively. (note to self...change that habit) John is the youngest of 1200 students that attends the Institute for Integrative Nutrition www.integrativenutrition.com. He was asked to get up and speak, because he is such a young pioneer. He was wearing my t-shirt (thank you John!!!!). When someone in the audience asked about the t-shirt, John began telling them about me and my ride. Upon hearing the story, they decided to put up a donation box and Joshua the founder said that they would match the donations riased. $3,500 was raised and the institute matched that, which means Ride the Wave of Change Fundraiser recieves $7,000!!!!!!!! In one day that happened!!!! I couldn't believe it/can't believe it. So humbled and blessed I feel.
Apr 29, 2010
Bike Ride for Change Across America!
Our friend Meaghan Minogue is riding her bicycle across America, departing June 1st. Meaghan is riding for peace and change, as well as to raise money for charity. PFCF is honored to be one of 3 organizations selected as beneficiaries. Please visit www.ridethewaveofchange.org to learn more. Thank you, Meaghan!!
Apr 07, 2010
Playing For Change benefit concert in Colorado this Thursday!
We are excited to announce a special event this Thursday, April 8th, at the Sandbar in Vail, Colorado. Afro Fiesta featuring Jason and Mermans of the Playing For Change Band will provide the tunes, and all proceeds will benefit the Playing For Change Foundation. If you are in the Rocky Mountain region, we'd love to see you there!!
Apr 05, 2010
Playing For Change Foundation has another way you can give!
The Playing For Change Foundation is now accepting donations through Members Give from American Express!