If you ever needed an excuse to hear some truly incredible music performed by a bunch of the most talented and seasoned musicians from all corners of the globe, here it is. Introducing Playing For Change, an extraordinary, joyful live experience that will stay with you long after the house lights have come up, and the funds raised from the tour will continue to affect people’s lives for years to come.

Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire, connect and bring peace to the world through music. Producer Mark Johnson recorded some of the most powerful and unique buskers and artists from all corner of the globe which he then wove into a united song that became a worldwide sensation which has racked up over 44 million strong army of followers, check it this incredibly powerful rendition ofStand By Me.

The success of this simple concept has grown into an unstoppable movement that has created the Playing For Change Band and the Playing For Change Foundation, who build music schools in developing communities with the funds raised by their music. PFC2: Songs Around The World, released in 2011 debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Charts and features over 150 musicians from 25 countries, including Baaba Maal, Keb’ Mo, Granpa Elliott, Taj Mahal, Toots & the Maytals, Ziggy Marley, Tinariwen, Carlos Vives, Roger Ridley, Stephen Marley, Clarence Bekker, Char and Toumani Diabaté.

The Playing For Change Band include the most incredible musicians from across 4 continents, each with their own rich cultural background and distinctive voice that creates an unforgettable live experience that has toured through Europe, USA, Latin America & Africa. From this success, the Playing For Change Foundation was created in order to help communities by developing 8 music programs and music schools in Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Nepal and Rwanda, allowing for the conservation and transmission of these rich cultural heritages in developing countries.

 

The 11 piece band are made up of the unique fusion of influences and talents which are constantly evolving and growing since their first concerts in 2008. Grandpa Elliott, legendary street musician from New Orleans sings alongside with Mermans Mosengo (Congo) - vocals/guitar/percussion, Jason Tamba (Congo) -vocals/guitar, Clarence Bekker (Netherlands) - vocals, Tula (Israel) - vocals, Titi Tsira (South Africa) - vocals, Orbe Ortiz (Cuba – bass, Peter Bunetta (LA, USA) drums, Tom Canning (LA, USA) Keys, Louis Mhlanga (Zimbabwe) Lead Guitar,Roberto Luti (Italy) Guitar

 

For the first time this incredibly movement is coming to Australia, this is your chance to see and hear a handful of musicians, from all walks of life, who have travelled thousands of miles from their homes, united in purpose and chorus on our Bluesfest stage.  You won’t need an excuse to enjoy this, come and join the cause and marvel at the diversity and profound creativity of our world.