[ot-caption title=”Sarah Gale sings during the finale with the rest of the performers in the background. (via, Brittany Shore, Junior)”]

The Playing for Change concert has become a Pine Crest classic. The bi-annual concert takes places during homecoming and febfest and never ceases to amaze. Apart from the amazing musical performances, there are always lots of laughs because of the hosts. This year veteran host, Philip Swart was joined by newcomer, Tyler Shevin. They both got many laughs from the audience and helped set the mood of the evening.

Playing for Change is always full of show stopping performances from talented PC students. This year many of past year’s favorite performers took the stage again. Some highlights included Elizabeth Pozzouli ’16, who sang Maroon 5’s “This Love” accompanied by Juliette Pozzouli ’17, Jenna Rosanski ’18, Philip Swart ’16, and Hunter Wassserman ’16, and Amanda Anderson ’17 who played piano while singing Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.”

Apart from the returning performers, there were also many new faces. Newcomers Noa Wiener ’18 and Hannah Schaffer ’18 performed with a second time performer, Carolina Salazar ‘17. Noa and Carolina sang Sia’s “Titanium” while Hannah played the piano. “It was so much fun to perform in front of my friends and family, and the energy from the crowd was just incredible,” says Noa. The beautiful duet received a standing ovation. Another newcomer who received a standing ovation was Sofia Caro ’17. Sofia belted out The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.” Although it was Sofia’s first time performing for Playing for Change, she came across as a seasoned performer. She moved around the stage as she sang and certainly captured the audience’s attention.

Math teacher, Mr. Spitzig, accompanied returning performers Jodie Kahn ’17 and Henri Vrod ’17. He played the drums while Henri and Jodie sang Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved.” Being one of the most anticipated performances of the night it certainly did not disappoint. The show’s finale consisted of Sarah Gale singing Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “Can’t Hold Us,” and it amazed the crowd. Her unique voice and style of singing made the song her own and certainly left the audience on a high note.

With so many different performers, the stage had many set-ups. The small backstage crew made sure that everything ran smoothly so the audience could sit back and enjoy the show. Backstage coordinator, Jackie Kahn, has been working behind the scenes for the past few years. “Playing for Change is always so fun. I love working backstage and seeing the behind the scenes of the show!” she said.

In the past, money raised from the event went to United Cerebral Palsy; however, this year, the concert’s organizers, Sarah Gale and Elizabeth Pozzuoli, decided to donate to Girl Up and Funding Broward Arts. Make sure to look out for the next great Playing for Change concert this February during multicultural week.