Grand Avenue visitors can make their own music this summer on five decorated public pianos installed outside neighborhood businesses and organizations.
The instruments are located at Catzen Coffee, Red Balloon Bookshop, Mischief Toy Store, Moloney’s Irish Imports and Hovland Conservatory. They are available for passersby to play, turning sidewalks and storefront areas into informal performance spaces.
Hovland Conservatory of Music coordinated the project, and Keys 4/4 Kids provided the pianos. The initiative is intended to encourage spontaneous music, draw people along the avenue and create a playful neighborhood experience for residents and visitors.
Public-piano projects have become a familiar form of placemaking in commercial districts, giving both experienced musicians and first-time players an opportunity to participate. The brightly painted instruments also function as temporary public art.
Players are asked to be considerate of nearby businesses, pedestrians and residents. Availability may depend on business hours, weather and the condition of each instrument. Visitors should not assume the pianos will be accessible during storms or outside the hours established by each host location.
The five sites stretch across Grand Avenue and can be visited individually or as part of a walk through the business district. Families can pair the pianos with stops at neighborhood shops, bookstores, coffeehouses and restaurants.
The project is scheduled to remain in place for the summer.
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