Monmouth’s 3rd Annual Playing for Change Concert

West Long Branch, N.J. (The Verge) – Jimi Hendrix once said, “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” Many believe that providing children with a creative outlet, such as music, will offer a more positive life and future. That is why Monmouth University’s very own Leona Mastowski, Jewel Huffman, and Julianne Nestor hosted their 3^rd annual benefit concert called Playing for Change this past Tuesday April 24, 2012 at Java City in the Rebecca Stafford Student Center.

The Playing for Change Foundation (PFCF) is a non-profit organization aimed towards creating music programs and schools for children in developing countries. In communities where crime, drugs, and poverty are so prevalent, having a program like this could be life changing. Their mission is to make available the resources needed for children to create their own music and without PFCF these children would not have that opportunity. The schools they are creating are built to benefit the community as well as the students. Local teachers, community members, and workers all come together to turn dreams into reality.
In any given household in our area, it’s likely you might find an old guitar collecting dust in the corner or a piano that’s simply used as a decoration in a formal living room. We tend to take these things for granted while less fortunate children in developing countries would not. These music programs bring positivity and happiness to a world that these children mostly know as dark and distressing. Unlike what most of us are used to, children in developing countries spend most of their childhood worrying about adult issues. PFCF is designed to keep these kids away from drugs and off the streets and to create music instead. While there are a number of organizations dedicated to donating money for clothes and basic necessities, there aren’t many that go above and beyond in the way that this foundation does.
At the concert on Tuesday there were performances by Leona Mastowski, Tyler Breder, Colleen Frees, Kitty Moon, Jewel Huffman, and Geoff Hipschmann. With their help, the Playing for Change concert at Monmouth University was able to raise $66 for the Playing for Change foundation.
So how can you help? If traveling across the world is not exactly in your budget, there are more practical ways to get involved. The simplest way would be to make an online donation, which can be done on Playing for Change’s website. Volunteering is also an option available on the website. Music is a universal language, in which peace and change can be made possible. You can make a difference. Visit www.playingforchange.org to help change a life today.