Playing For Change Foundation Celebrates Music and Purpose in Aspen
DJ Naka G (Photo Courtesy of Playing For Change)
SPIN recently partnered with the Playing For Change Foundation to present SOUND & SOUL, an unforgettable night of music and purpose. Held on February 18th at the world famous Belly Up Aspen, the evening was punctuated by electrifying DJ sets by Xandra and DJ Naka G.
SOUND & SOUL brought together longtime supporters and new friends in celebration of music, community, and impact. Guests arrived to an energized atmosphere and kicked off the evening learning about the mission of Playing for Change Foundation: to use music to drive unparalleled social change.
The excitement in the room lasted long into the night, as Xandra and DJ Naka G kept elated revelers on their feet. The music served as a powerful reminder of how creativity and culture drive connection and impact, and reinforced the shared commitment of PFCF’s mission and the communities it serves.
Xandra (Photo Courtesy of Playing For Change)
“SOUND & SOUL captured the heart of our mission — bringing people together through music to create meaningful, measurable impact,” said PFCF CEO Jake Groshong. “The evening reflected a growing community that believes in music as a force for connection, opportunity, and lasting change. We’re deeply grateful to our chairs, sponsors, and supporters who are helping expand our global impact.”
Co-chaired by Whitney Kroenke Silverstein and Josh Taekman, SOUND & SOUL celebrated the commitment of Playing For Change and helped heighten awareness of the Foundation. The Host Committee — Corey Gamble, Amy & Gary Green, Jimmy Hutcheson, Daniel Neukomm, Myles Shear and Nick Silverstein — helped bring together an incredible community of supporters.
Whitney Kroenke Silverstein, Josh Taekman, & Jake Groshong (Photo Courtesy of Playing For Change)
The event was made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Palm Tree Crew, Fluent Wines, LALO Tequila, and SPIN Magazine. These partnerships elevated every aspect of the experience.
SOUND & SOUL attendees were privy to the Playing For Change Foundation’s mission firsthand. The global nonprofit has spent nearly two decades using music education as a vehicle for opportunity. Since launching in 2007, the foundation has grown into an international movement, supporting young people in more than 137 communities across 26 countries with instruments, teachers, mentorship, studio spaces, and creative environments where confidence and possibility can take root. It’s music as infrastructure — not just expression, but access.
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