PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Latin America 2012, the Americas Business Council Foundation (abc*), a nonprofit organization that facilitates high-impact social change projects, will host the A Ritmo de Cambio event, an initiative that utilizes music to foster education, reconciliation and cultural entrepreneurship in marginal communities throughout the Americas.
For the third consecutive year, the abc* Foundation has partnered with Playing for Change to showcase the unique cultural richness of a select Latin American country. This year’s focus is on Mexico and will unite over 70 musicians with diverse musical backgrounds including Pepe Aguilar, Lila Downs, La Marisoul, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán and Tlen Huicani to record “México Lindo y Querido,” the third song of this initiative, wherein musicians from all walks of life unite to raise awareness about music’s potential to transform individuals and communities.
Since 2010, the abc* Foundation has been using A Ritmo de Cambio to promote initiatives that further social cohesion through culture, music and the arts. In 2010, in partnership with Fundación Exito, A Ritmo de Cambio started promoting cultural entrepreneurship and the preservation of San Basilio de Palenque’s musical heritage in Colombia. The following year, at the WEF in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the initiative raised awareness for AfroReggae, a project that combats social ills in Brazil. This year, A Ritmo de Cambio will support Cauce Cuidadano, an organization working to face the vast crisis of youth violence and crime in Mexico. Cauce Cuidadano uses music as one of its tools to transform youth involved in criminal activities into nonviolent community leaders and role models. The program has been able to significantly reduce destructive behavior, enable the youth involved to develop long-term habits for healthier lifestyles and heal emotional damage from a lifetime of exposure to violence.
“We are delighted that the valuable work being done by A Ritmo de Cambio continues this year in Mexico,” said Emilio Azcárraga. “Like all of the abc* Foundation initiatives, we hope this will serve as a catalyst for positive social change. Being part of this talented group of people committed to making a tangible difference through music is extremely gratifying.”
The A Ritmo de Cambio project in Mexico will formally launch with the unveiling of the song “México Lindo y Querido” during a concert on the evening of Monday, April 16, following the State of Jalisco’s Welcome Reception on the Malecón (boardwalk), in the town’s historic center. Additionally, Angélica Fuentes, abc* Foundation co-chair, will be on a panel titled “Mexico’s Mañana” talking about the future of the country. Mark Johnson, Playing for Change Founder, will also be participating in a panel that is titled “Beating Inequality,” focusing on social impact ventures and discussing various subjects, including how the abc* Foundation’s initiatives help fulfill its mission of furthering peace, sustainability and prosperity in the region.
The culmination of the A Ritmo de Cambio project will be a 10-song compilation album and concert tentatively planned for late 2013 in Miami, FL. The concert will bring together musicians from each of the countries involved for a multicultural reunion to display the magnificence of Latin America’s musical heritage and to focus on the healing power of music. The album will benefit initiatives such as the Palenque project and Cauce Cuidadano.
About the Americas Business Council Foundation Inc.
The Americas Business Council (abc*) Foundation is a think-do tank that seeks to further peace, sustainability and prosperity by fostering discussion with leaders from the Americas about the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing our world, and by presenting them with opportunities to engage in impact-driven initiatives that provide tangible solutions. Founded in 2008, ABC* provides a platform for the region’s emerging leaders to use their influence, networks, and resources to bring about lasting positive change. The organization was founded by four prestigious Latin American business leaders who now serve as Co-Chairs of the Foundation: Emilio Azcárraga, President and CEO of Grupo Televisa; Guillermo Romo, President and founder of Grupo Mega; Angélica Fuentes, CEO of Omnilife; and Jorge Vergara, President and founder of Omnilife and owner of the ‘Las Chivas’ football team. Mario Scarpetta, Chairman of Azurita, also recently joined the organization as co-chair. For more information, visit www.abcfound.org.