Audio-Technica is a proud sponsor of Playing for Change, a nonprofit organization that unites people around the world through music. Each year, the organization hosts Playing for Change Day, where musicians across the globe put on performances in support of the Playing for Change Foundation.
Playing for Change was founded on the belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and unite people globally. One of the organization’s first movements was their video series called Song Around the World, that showcased combined talents from musicians all around the globe. This series led to the establishment of the Playing for Change Band, a traveling representation of their mission and the beginning of the Playing for Change Foundation.
Learn more about the history of Playing for Change Day and some highlights over the last few years below!
The History of Playing for Change Day
Celebrated after the International Day of Peace each year, the first Playing for Change Day was held in 2011. Playing for Change Day unites communities, gathering musicians and music lovers from around the world to perform everywhere, from on stage to cafes. Over the last 10 years, Playing for Change Day’s fundraising efforts have provided free classes from dance to instruments, languages, music theory and more, all instructed by qualified teachers across 11 countries. The Playing For Change Foundation also donates water, food, and other supplies to those in need.
Playing for Change Day 2019
Playing for Change Day in 2019 hosted both in-person and virtual events to further broaden their reach and overall awareness. The day was filled with iconic performances and included live streamed shows from all over the world like Fiji, India, and Ibiza. Playing for Change Day in Ibiza featured over 40 different performances from local musicians, as well as percussion workshops, storytelling, and arts and crafts booths.
Playing for Change Day 2020
Last year, the organization held its first all-digital event, where musicians all over the world performed live on Facebook and YouTube and raised funds for the Playing for Change Foundation. Last year’s event included many memorable live performances from a Pittsburgh coffee shop, Spruce and Adorn, where the coffee shop donated 10% of all store sales that day to the foundation to Thailand, where students from the Khlong Toey Music Program in Bangkok, showcased talents through singing, dancing, painting, and more.
Playing for Change Day 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Playing for Change Day celebrated differently this year, sharing virtual events and shows for people across the country to enjoy! With performances from The Zamane Traditional Song Festival with local artists to Argentina, Sweden, and more, viewers can watch performances in real-time through live-events and social media.
To learn more about Playing for Change Day and the Playing for Change Day Foundation, visit their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or their websites at https://playingforchangeday.org/ and https://playingforchange.org/.