[ot-caption title=”Seniors Lauren Baltimore and Cody Shamon performed at last year’s concert. (via Alana Steinberg)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1395212_10201652091056094_2052051944_n-e14131428264041.jpg”]

Pine Crest alumnus, Michael Berkowitz ’12, introduced the Playing For Change concert to Pine Crest as a charity concert put on by students. Now, Playing For Change has grown from a small open mic concert to one of Homecoming’s most anticipated events.

Presently continuing the legacy of PFC is Senior Julia Sabra, who is involved just as much in the performing as she is in the behind-the-scenes action.  She, along with the other musicians, provides an opportunity for the whole school to come together and enjoy some music while helping to make a difference in the community. This year, the concert hopes to raise money for a special needs preschool right in Fort Lauderdale, United Cerebral Palsy.

As for this year’s PFC concert, Julia states that, “A lot of the ‘fan favorites’ will be performing again – Sarah Gale, Alexis Kesselman, Amanda Anderson, Brett Koolik, and many more. There are a ton of new faces–you might be surprised by some of this year’s performers. We had a great turnout at auditions…someone even auditioned on a ukelele solo–it was really cool.”

A mix of styles of music and performers should surely be expected. The talent is always stupendous, and every musician never ceases to amaze. Jordanna Brody, a senior and  returning PFC singer, says that she tends to get nervous backstage, but that the nerves are worth it because it feels amazing to know that all of the work they put into their songs is helping to raise money for a place that is doing such wonderful things for people with cerebral palsy. Jordanna is excited to be singing “Irreplacable” by Beyoncé next week at the concert.

Everyone involved in PFC is extremely dedicated, and the show does leave an impact on the surrounding community. The money raised over the years has helped the United Cerebral Palsy immensely, as last year’s PFC raised over $2,300.

This year’s concert takes place this Thursday, October 16 at 7:00PM in Stacy Auditorium, and tickets will be $5 at the door. Students can pay in cash or charge to their student accounts. The night is always lots of fun with unforgettable performances, so come out and support your classmates on stage and donate to a worthwhile cause.