“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ~Unknown

Because we all need a friend sometimes.

Because we need to know we’re not alone.

Because it’s nice to know—someone’s got your back.

No matter how strong, independent and self-reliant we may be, there comes a time when we need someone to stand by us.

Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.

A little more from their “About” page:

In 2005, [Co-Founder] Mark Johnson was walking in Santa Monica, California, when he heard the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By Me.” Roger had so much soul and conviction in his voice, and Mark approached him about performing “Stand By Me” as a Song Around the World. Roger agreed, and when Mark returned with recording equipment and cameras he asked Roger, “With a voice like yours, why are you singing on the streets?” Roger replied, “Man, I’m in the Joy business, I come out to be with the people.” Ever since that day, the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians, creating Songs Around the World, and building a global family.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

 

Editor: Travis May

Photos: Photo: EVC Concert/Naaman Horn