Music Can Change the World

The notion that music can change the world is not just a quote from the legendary Bono. It is a testament that people can relate to music, use its emotions and make something beautiful. That is the reason it sits in our mission statement:

Rock for Hunger exists to inspire individuals of all cultures to join together through music, education and peaceful solutions in order to end the cycle of hunger and poverty.

This past weekend proved that statement is working now more than ever! With support from sponsors, volunteers, our interns and Board/Staff Rock For Hunger Fest 4 was the start of our New Year. The beginning of the vision Chris has 4 years ago when he brought me on this wild ride.

The bands, from Tomorrow's Bad Seeds and InnerCoastal to Chris Burns's packed house jam session to The Crazy Carls rocking till the wheels fell off, music inspired the night. From our homeless friends that came to rock out with us - they were jumping up and down, clapping and cheering like they owned the night.

The fans knew why they were there - I made sure of that. The loudest ovations of the night came when they heard where their ticket money was going.

Music Healing the World

The vision for Rock For Hunger's future lies in the Dream Center. A place that brings together music, art, lifestyle design, basic needs and the support of the Rock For Hunger crew for the homeless community and those in need, including the 1 in 5 children in Orlando that go without a meal everyday.

Music is being used all around the world to change lives. A story came my way this morning of Carlinhos Brown, a musician from Candeal Pequeno in Brazil who has taken his music and fame and used it to create opportunities for those living in poverty in his hometown. At Rock For Hunger, we believe in what he says in the article:

“Poverty is not an excuse for anything. Poverty is an opportunity.”

Mr. Brown, a well known Brazilian artist, has opened a music school for the children of his city. This music school paved the way for a 360 degree change in Candeal Pequeno from dignitaries visiting the town to paved roads, built their first health clinic and built and renovated more than 200 homes.

This story inspires me to keep working towards our vision of the Rock For Hunger Dreams Center and firms my belief that music can change the world, because music can change people. That's what the Rock For Hunger Fest weekend is all about.

Thank you for coming along for the journey. More wrap up coming soon, plus news on the Homeless Lifestyle Design Project starting November 2nd.

-Greg Rollett