What an unbelievable show tonight at the Hollywood Bowl! I have had the privilege of seeing the PFC Band perform at venues all over the world, but there was something truly magical about seeing them perform tonight at the bowl. When they took the stage in front of a crowd of over 10,000 fans, a wave of emotion ran through me that I was wholly unprepared for. I remembered the experience of taking Jason and Mermans on a tour of LA and looking down at the Hollywood Bowl from high up in the hills. "It won't be long before you two are performing there," I told them. They looked at me somewhat nonplussed and smiled it off. And tonight, seeing them share a stage with Baaba Maal in front of such a crowd was a special moment-- one that was made all the more memorable when Baaba Maal invited us all on stage to close out the show!
The band is headed to Europe in the next few days-- if you are anywhere near any of the cities they are playing in, I highly suggest you check out their show!
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It seems like Playing For Change keeps getting better and better as the days go on. Two days ago, the band and crew flew out to our next destination, San Diego, where everyone could relax after a long six-hour flight. I was unpleasantly surprised at how cold it was in June in southern California though. The night air whipped through my cotton tank top as I thought about the thick humidity and unbearable heat in New York City. And that was before the recent heat wave!
After a good night sleep, everyone woke up ready to play at the Belly Up down the block from the hotel. Clarence and I took a walk to the nearby beach where the sandy brown cliffs hung over the crashing waves. They seemed to swallow up more and more of the beach as they exploded onto shore. These were not like the waves I was used to in New Jersey. I kept my eyes peeled for great whites, but the only wildlife I saw were the seagulls. I’ll take it.
Later on that day, we all made our way to the venue. Everyone was feeling quite nice and comfortable in the place. It had a good vibe. The stage was not too big and it was just the right amount of people for the band to really rock. More members of the PFC family showed up: Jeremy and Joel Goulder, as well as the Road Rebel crew, and some local friends of the artists.
The show itself was magnificent. It was the first time I ever got to see Louis really rip on his guitar, and I was floored. I have never seen someone pluck those strings the way that man does. It was like the instrument was an extra appendage, something like an extension of his body that had been there since the day he was born. His fingers lightly grazed each string as he referenced his mental fret board. The band played memorably well and the crowd could not seem to stop dancing. It was a great success.
I have been to concerts and shows time and time again. Of all the bands I have ever seen, no one has shaken me like Playing For Change does during their performance. Audience members cry at every single show. There is never a dull moment with a nine piece band of musicians from all around the world. The music is uplifting, the energy is unconventional, and the performance is unsurpassable. It is not hard to have a life changing experience with Playing For Change.
The Big Apple welcomed the Playing For Change Band to the Summer Stage in Central Park, New York City last night. After traveling from upstate Kingston, New York, the band was anxious to play yet another impressive performance for all of their eager fans.
The city seemed innocent and delicate in the early morning as I woke up to grab myself some breakfast. The Empire Hotel conveniently located on Broadway and 69th was an African themed high rise with comfy beds and an elegant rooftop lounge. Grandpa did not have to see the hotel to know that it was going to be a challenge to be frugal at a place like that. After I ordered some room service he asked, “Is there a tissue box around here?” I answered, “Sure. Are you feeling sick?” He simply replied, “I’mma need to live in it after I pay this room service bill.” A booming laugh followed thereafter that bounced off the walls as loud as thunder. His laugh is unforgettable.
After staying a couple days in New York and getting better acquainted with the town, the Playing For Change Band was ready for their show in the park. It was a large stage that the band would play on for an hour and fifteen minutes before Babba Maal got up for his performance. Although they were opening for another artist, they were still excited to get playing time and exposure. A large crowd of roughly 2,000 people showed up on an outside AstroTurf field under the night sky.
Performances from both Playing For Change and Babba Maal sounded terrific! I overheard an audience member say that Playing For Change left him wanting more. The band would be very happy to know that! There was not only a good turn out of fans, but also a hefty amount of people backstage who help support the Playing For Change Foundation. And luckily for the band, there was an after party thrown for them at a nearby club, which everyone said was a good time
Something very special happened the night of the show at the Summer Stage. Among those 2,000 people in the crowd, my parents stood with proud eyes. Both of them came out to support me, but they had not spoken to each other in 17 years. I do not know if there was something in that New York City air that night, or if it was just the music of Playing For Change that brought a miracle to my family. My parents actually shared a laugh with each other that night. They even came to an agreement about legal financial matters, which I had never seen happen in all of my childhood years. Playing For Change brought change to my life before my very own eyes. I am forever grateful to the music of Playing For Change.
Today we travel to sunny San Diego, California for a show at the Belly Up. California shall be fun! Goodbye East Coast!
Wow, what a week it has been! Rehearsals in Kingston, New York at the Clubhouse studio could not have gone better and the show was great. Everyone is excited to be back on the tour, just playing music and working towards putting on the best performances an audience could ask for!
While the Playing For Change musicians worked on adding three new songs to their repertoire, the summer sun set over the rolling fields and lush green trees in the backyard of the barn house studio. Some of the band members lived at the studio; equipped with a full kitchen, living room area, a handful of well-decorated bedrooms, and a fully stocked live and control room. Ranging from equipment like a Neve 8058 MKII Vintage Recording Console, a 1960s Ludwig drum kit, and a selection of Telefunken Tube Microphones, the band sounded unbelievably clean. Personally, my favorite part of the studio was the two old pooches holding down the fort accompanied by a mischievous kitten who licked the steal my chair every time I got up.
Rehearsing at the studio was a great experience for everyone in the band. It was easy to relax and take in the picturesque surroundings. I do not know if it was the mountain air or just the summer wind, but the creative juices were flowing like the wine! Paul Antonell, the studio owner, hired a talented chef that cranked up the heat with some appetizing dinners and delectable desserts. With bellies full and minds at ease, the band laughed the nights away.
The nearby town of Woodstock is beautiful! It is a quaint old place, but the music scene still lives on in the town named after one of the most memorable music festivals in history. Local street musicians gather in the “Village Green,” a small cement center of town with a few benches and flowerpots. Mom & Pop shops line the winding roads, advertising organic foods and local artwork. It was a town full of musicians, which made the band feel right at home. It also brought a band member, Peter Bunetta, back to the days when it was his home. He told us stories of how he traveled to Woodstock to be a drummer for his friend’s band, and how rent was much cheaper in 1970. I enjoyed listening to his stories.
Time flew and our days slowly dwindled until the travel day, when some members of the band took the train and others drove down to New York City for the Central Park Summerstage show. Our stay in upstate New York was unforgettable. Thanks Clubhouse Studio, Bearsville Theater, and Woodstock, for giving such a warm welcome to the Playing For Change Band!
Last night was a night to remember-- but of course we all knew it would be long before the show started. Beginning the moment we all hopped on the bus, everyone could barely contain their excitement. Sinamuva began a song as soon as the bus pulled away from our hotel, and they were quickly accompanied by an improvised percussion ensemble. Peter hopped down into the stair well and pounded on the side of the bus; Venkat began playing the ceiling with his knuckles; Mermans began to yell; People all around me began clapping; And before long half the bus was banging on something-- the rest of us were singing, laughing, or filming the fun.
The 20-minute bus ride began in the rain, but by the time we arrived, the sun had come out. As we pulled up, we noticed a rainbow arching down directly above the venue. We all thought it was a great omen for the show but Mark was quick to counter that if anything, that rainbow had shown up to recharge its energy at our show. And he was right...
The Caja Magica was packed to the gills (over 8,000 people were in attendance!), and by the end of the show it felt like the place was going to blow. The band put together a set list of 25 songs (our longest list to date, I believe), and performed for well over two hours. Guest artists Nena Daconte and Kiko Veneno joined the band for a number of songs, and were greeted by raucous applause. Even our own Enzo Buono hopped on stage to harmonize (and dance!) with Tula during Chanda Mama. The addition of Sinamuva to the band rounded out the sound beautifully, and brought our total musician count to nearly 20!
It was an amazing evening, and I want to thank everyone who was with us, both in body and in spirit. I would also like to thank Acciona and Ademas for making this event possible, and also our Tour Manager Erika Duffee, who has lead this group of Peace Soldiers across North America and Spain these past two months.
I'm on a plane bound for New York City (currently experiencing a fair bit of turbulence) as I write this, and it is a bittersweet moment for me. I'm heading home for the first time in a month, and am looking forward to seeing my family for the Holidays, yet at the same time I am leaving my other family behind. But I know before long we'll all be together, back on the road again. But for now...
Peace and Love from 30,000 feet!
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