Playing For Change arose from a common belief that music has the power to connect people regardless of their differences. What began as a film project in 2005 has since snowballed into a global organization that works to create positive change through music and arts education.
The Playing For Change Foundation was created as a way to give back to musicians and communities. Since its inception, it’s spawned 15 music schools and programs across the globe. More than 2,000 kids attend free classes each week in dance, music, language and musical theory, all taught by local qualified teachers. As Victorian Ambassador for the foundation Amy Lezala says, “It’s not just building a school, it’s building a community”.
To date, over 15,000 children and community members have been impacted through the programs and education provided by the foundation. “It’s not just music they’re taught,” says Lezala. “They’re taught English and math, as well as the history of their local culture and traditions.”
The project also provides basic needs for some of the world’s most economically vulnerable children, providing humanitarian aid such as clean water, food and medicine in addition to the educational services.
“I’ve seen that the awareness has changed, so the number of schools has massively increased. Hopefully, it will continue to grow.”
Lezala has been working hard to help make this a reality with this year’s event for Playing for Change Day. Created in 2011, the global event allows musicians, fans and volunteers an opportunity to get involved and become part of the Playing for Change community. This year’s event marks the third for Melbourne and is easily the most ambitious to date. Entitled Follow the Music, it was created with a Pied Piper-esque thought in mind, as a musical trail leads crowds throughout the iconic venues of Fitzroy.
Kicking off at 1pm at Damask with a relaxed Sunday afternoon rooftop gig, the trail begins by heading to Baxter’s Lot followed by The Provincial Hotel and The Worker’s Club before ending it all up at Rum Diary Bar for a late night DJ set. Local artists gracing the multi-venue event include Ari Scott (who has graciously participated in all of Melbourne’s Playing For Change events so far), Liam Bowditch, Tejo D’Cruz and Flashlight.
“For us, it’s very much about celebrating the local musicians and artists as well as celebrating the community in Fitzroy,” says Lezala.“Playing For Change is all about building community through music, so this year’s event is a reflection of that.”
With a fundraising goal of $2,000, all proceeds raised on the 24th will go directly to the Playing for Change Foundation and 15 schools around the world. All in all, Follow The Music promises to be a day full of fantastic music and community spirit – utilising great music for the greater good.
