Playing for Change Foundation Hosts VIP Concert With Jewel & Melissa Etheridge
On September 24 evening, Playing for Change Foundation presented a magical evening at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as beloved artists Jewel & Melissa Etheridge took to the stage for a moving performance in support of PFC’s mission to empower global communities through music. The VIP concert began with cocktails & light bites, followed by the captivating concert beginning at 8pm.
Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge took to the stage first, wowing concert attendees with her legendary voice as she played a slew of instruments — including the guitar, drums, piano, and harmonica. Jewel followed, engaging the crowd by taking song requests and playing the perfect mix of both timeless classics and new hits. In a touching performance of “Who Will Save Your Soul”, Jewel introduced her 12 year old son, Kase, who joined her onstage to play the drums. In aligned awareness, she spoke of kindness and gratitude throughout her performance, two themes that PFCF hold dear to their mission.
Jewel
“Last night was a powerful reminder of the impact that music can have on our global community,” said Stacey Glassman Mizener, Chief Development Officer, Playing For Change Foundation. “Jewel and Melissa Etheridge’s performances not only moved the audience but also reinforced the belief that music has the power to connect and inspire us all. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for providing such an extraordinary venue, and to artists like Jewel and Melissa, whose support helps us continue our mission of transforming lives through music. Together, we share a vision of a more united and compassionate world.”
From left to right (Randi Wolfson Adamo, Chris Adamo, Estefania Diaz-Balart,& Stacey Glassman Mizener)
Since partnering together in 2023, the two Miami-based organizations have worked together to bring awareness and support to music education programs for children in areas that are rich in cultural traditions but limited in economic resources both locally and globally. With the mutual understanding that music has the power to change lives, the energy felt throughout the stadium yesterday evening strongly reiterated that universal sentiment.
As Playing For Change Foundation gears up for its annual 2025 Impact Awards on March 15th, there is no sign of slowing down. In just a few weeks, on Playing for Change Day (October 8th) 100 South Sudanese Artists will be inaugurating the brand new, state of the art cultural center at the Bidi Bidi Refugee settlement in Northern Uganda.
For more information about PFCF and its initiatives, visit playingforchange.org.
About Playing For Change Foundation
For 17 years, Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) has helped youth rise up through their own culture using music education to create social and economic change in areas that are economically poor, but culturally extremely wealthy. With 50+ locations across 19 countries and growing, the positive impact of PFCF on youth, families, and communities in need is truly extraordinary. We employ more than 200 staff, teachers, and community leaders locally across program locations, including: Mali, Morocco, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Jordan, Nepal, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Argentina, South Dakota, and Miami.
For more information, visit PlayingForChange.org, email info@playingforchange.org, or follow @PlayingForChangeFoundation on Instagram and Facebook.