Rhinebeck, NY Featured in Playing For Change / Cat Stevens Collaboration

My dad loves finding new and interesting music through YouTube. I don't think the algorithm can keep up with him with all the various things that he will search up and find. My dad never really ever played an instrument (except for a brief stint of clarinet back in school, which he hated). If you ever asked him if he plays anything, he would tell you he plays the stereo.  Honestly, my dad is one of the biggest reasons why my taste in music is so broad. Just the other night, he pulled me over to watch this music video from one of his favorite YouTube channels/bands, Foxes and Fossils. On June 1st, they put out a cover of Yusuf / Cat Steven's "Peace Train," a song we are both fans of. It's a great cover and I recommend checking it out. This article; however, is about the video that came up next through autoplay.

The next video to pop up was Playing For Change's "Peace Train" featuring Yusuf / Cat Stevens - Song Around the World. While watching the compilation video, we couldn't help but notice that Rhinebeck, New York flashed upon our screen! I can't seem to pinpoint where in Rhinebeck this is, but I do have some more information about the video and the performers.

"Peace Train" Playing For Change

Yusuf / Cat Stevens' 1971 hit "Peace Train" is a great anthem of hope and unity that spans generations and cultures. This particular version of the song sees Stevens in Istanbul, Turkey, playing outside on a gorgeous white piano. The video goes onto feature over 25 musicians from 12 different countries. Clips and audio are woven together as people play from around the world, further strengthening that message of love and togetherness. The video was released celebrating The International Day of Peace last year on September 21st.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. It was later in 2001 where the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

Playing For Change

Playing For Change inspires and connects the world through music with the belief that music has the ability to break down boundaries and overcome distance. I've always felt that music is the universal language because it expresses emotions and concepts better than any other form of communication I am aware of. The primary focus of Playing For Change is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combining their talents and culture in a video series called Songs Around the World.

Silkroad Ensemble

As for the musicians performing in Rhinebeck, New York, they are all members of the Silkroad Ensemble. The three musicians featured in Rhinebeck are Karen Ouzounian, and brothers Eric and Colin Jacobsen. Silkroad creates music that engages difference, collaboration amongst cultures, and passion-driven learning to foster a more inclusive world. The ensemble was founded by well-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The ensemble is currently under the leadership of Rhiannon Giddens, who is also featured in the music video from Limerick, Ireland.

But Where in Rhinbeck?

As for where in Rhinebeck this is, I can't 100% tell. I'm assuming this was filmed and recorded at a church in Rhinebeck, but after scouring Google Maps, I couldn't find one that matched this setting perfectly. If anyone has any idea where in Rhinebeck they were, please let us know! Message us in the app, or let us know on our Facebook and Instagram pages.