Playing For Change are heading to New Orleans to perform at the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 8 and for two performances at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville on May 6 and May 7. The 2011 festival appearances are in advance of their new two-disc CD/DVD PFC 2: Songs Around The World out on Hear Music / Concord Music Group and available at all Starbucks retail locations nationwide on May 31.
PFC2: Songs Around The World is a continuation of filmmaker Mark Johnson's journey to blend diverse styles of music from around the globe into powerful performances.
The album features an incredible range of nearly 150 musicians from 15 countries including Baaba Maal, Keb Mo, Tinariwen, Stephen Marley and the now legendary Grandpa Elliott to name just a few.
What started as one person's dream to connect people through music has developed into an international network of musicians and a global Foundation that works toward building, maintaining and connecting music schools across the globe.
The new album expands upon the project's mission to unite people through music and includes a global mix of cultures and rhythms featuring original songs written for the album, as well as reinterpretations of internationally loved recordings including Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" and John Lennon's "Imagine."
The "Redemption Song" video has already been embraced by the online community with nearly 1.5 million views since February. The video features a stunning cast of artists including Japanese musician Hiromitsu Agatsuma on shamisen, Congolese guitarist Jason Tamba, Congolese vocalist Mermans Kenkosenki and vocalist Stephen Marley (Bob Marley's son). A performance from The Wailers' last European tour is also featured the video using Bob Marley's vocal.
Band members performing in New Orleans are:
Grandpa Elliott (New Orleans) - vocals/harmonica
Clarence Bekker (Suriname/Netherlands) - vocals
Mohammed Alidu (Ghana) - percussion
Peter Bunetta (Los Angeles) - drums
Mermans Kenkosenki (DR Congo) - vocals
Reggie McBride (Detroit) - bass
Louis Mhlanga (Zimbabwe/South Africa) - electric guitar
Jason Tamba (DR Congo) - acoustic guitar
Titi Tsira (South Africa) - vocals
*With special quests to be announced.
See Playing For Change in New Orleans:
Date: May 6 & May 7
Time: 9pm
Location: Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
1104 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Date: May 8
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Jazz Fest - Gentilly Stage
