Playing For Change Foundation and Theatre Within Advance John Lennon's Vision for Peace With POWER TO THE PEOPLE Campaign

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Driven by the fundamental belief that peace and change are possible through the universal language of music, Playing For Change Foundation (http://www.playingforchange.org) together with the support of Theatre Within (http://theatrewithin.org) have announced their plans to launch the POWER TO THE PEOPLE campaign. Thanks to the generous support of Yoko Ono, the initiative seeks to advance John Lennon's vision of peace by raising awareness and funds to develop and sustain Playing For Change Foundation's vital music education programs in schools around the globe. A portion of proceeds will also benefit Theatre Within's mission to produce events to benefit important charities and social causes.

The campaign will be announced this evening as part of Theatre Within's 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York. The concert, which benefits Playing For Change Foundation, brings together a rare gathering of artists who will come together to celebrate the life, music and creative spirit of John Lennon. The all-star lineup of performers span nearly four generations, ranging from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame music icons Jackson Browne and Patti Smith to acclaimed artists Cyndi Lauper, Aimee Mann, Keb' Mo', Joan Osborne, Martin Sexton, and many others.  

The POWER TO THE PEOPLE campaign aims to promote peace by engaging artists and audiences to contribute to music education programs on every continent. Proceeds raised will help build music schools, support teachers and music programs, purchase instruments, and connect schools for cross-cultural learning and conflict resolution across borders.

In addition to the Lennon Tribute concert, one of the campaign's central events will be Playing For Change Day planned for May 7, 2011. During a single 24-hour period, professional musicians will join amateur performers at concerts, local events and grassroots gatherings around the globe to create a coordinated call to action to raise awareness and funds for music education programs in a unique one-day happening.  At each event, audiences will be urged to make a text pledge or online donation.

"John Lennon's message of advancing peace through music and activism continues to be an inspiration for millions," said Whitney Kroenke, co-founder and executive director of the Playing For Change Foundation. "It is at the heart of Playing For Change Foundation's mission. We and our partner Theatre Within are honored to have the blessing of Yoko Ono, and join music lovers around the world in shaping this unique and participatory campaign."  

ABOUT PLAYING FOR CHANGE FOUNDATION

The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) is dedicated to the fundamental idea that peace and change are possible through the universal language of music. PFCF is devoted to connecting the world through music by providing resources (including schools, supplies, and educational programs) to musicians, young people and their communities around the world. The PFCF currently has programs in Nepal, Mali, Ghana, South Africa and Rwanda, and continues to expand its reach to communities in need. The mentorship and guidance the students receive from musicians and teachers provides a strong foundation for them to grow and thrive.  Learn more at www.playingforchange.org

ABOUT THEATRE WITHIN

Theatre Within, a not-for-profit performing arts presenter dedicated to producing events to benefit outstanding charities and important social causes, has produced The Annual John Lennon Tribute since 1981, shortly after Lennon's death. Inspired by the great humanitarian efforts of many socially-conscious performers, Theatre Within calls upon artists to see the performing arts as a public service and dedicate themselves to making a positive difference in their communities and around the world by serving a higher cause with passion, compassion and love.  Learn more at http://theatrewithin.org

SOURCE Playing For Change Foundation