By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ It’s been a while since we checked in on Playing for Change, the amazing musical collective that aims to “inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.”
Coupled with its own charitable foundation (since 2002), PFC takes (usually) familiar songs and invites their original artist to participate (when possible) – performers such as Jimmy Buffet, Keith Richards, Cat Stevens, Ringo, Bono, and Buddy Guy have been involved – along with lesser-known artists (both professional and amateur) who are equally talented.
Together their efforts comprise an intriguing global musical and video montage that cuts from artist to artist in exotic destinations in a seamless performance that lends a fresh world music vibe to the songs, and an introduction to international artists who underly the intrinsic world view.
Of course, the songs are carefully chosen to reflect and remind of a simple aspirational message for the times, such as this week’s offering, “Unite,” in this case proclaiming, “We are a world of 7 billion people. Our 7 billion hearts are united in song!”
Check out our ‘Listening In’ archive at https://travelindustrytoday.com/infocus-listening-in/