The Peas are playing for their ‘Pod! Last week, our dynamic, energetic Black Eyed Peas took the stage in LA with Lupe Fiasco, Nikka Costa and Boyz II Men to raise money for their philanthropic Peapod Foundation. The proceeds from the Peas’ concert went towards alleviating poverty, spreading education, and supporting the arts worldwide. Screaming fans packed into the venue and even Rihanna showed up to take in the tunes and good vibes.

The Peapod Foundation was founded by change-maker will.i.am in the Peas’ early days and “works to encourage social change by uniting people through the universal language of music.” The Black Eyed Peas first took international action after the South Asian Tsunami in 2004; they held a (sold out) benefit concert which provided much needed relief dollars to victims of the tsunami.

Will.i.am talked to reporters before the show about the power of music, “Music penetrates through all types of boundaries and crosses all kinds of barriers. It gives us a commonality through rhythm and melody. Music has brought the world together.”

And the self-proclaimed Dutchess, Fergie, chimed in about the importance of giving back, “For people without the means or a place to go, it feels good for us to give them opportunities.”

By contributing reporter Shamsa Mangalji