Pianos 2013 Finale - Sing for Hope

I was lucky enough to make it to Lincoln Center this past Sunday for the Pianos Finale! I cheated this year. Instead of trying to go find all the pianos around the city...I waited for them to come to one place. Where better than Lincoln Center?

Below are some pictures of the many pianos that brought music across the city.

Every hour, on the 08, there was a mini concert. This event went on from 11am to 8pm. At 7:08 pm, all 88 pianos were played at the same time! The final piece that was played was Bach's prelude in C.

Now these pianos are being given new homes in schools, community centers and other places where they will be well needed.

Can't wait for this event to be back next year!

This is possbily my favorite.

But this one was a close one, too. People couidn't keep their hands off of it!

Here was a mini concert.

Another favorite.

Ever looked at the back?

I love how the kiddies are at the piano of Hope!

Sing for Hope - Find your pianos!!

Have you noticed a piano here and there? And, lately, just everywhere? Sing for Hope's yearly tradition of placing 88 (cute!) pianos all throughout the City was made possible by a sponsor, this year! Hopefully, this tradition can be maintained and continue on for generations to come.

During my last piano hunt, I've seen random strangers brought together by singing and playing one of these pianos and just enjoying every moment. It's a reminder of life...what we are capable of, how beautiful it really is and that no one is alone in this. Click here for the map and happy hunting!!

Jackson Hunt @ The Other Door

If you so happen to be in Los Angeles (and I know some of you are!), make a visit to see our piano man, Jackson Hunt!

Jackson just spent last week in Miami gearing up for his performance at a jazzfest in Wellington, Florida. I'm sure his performance made some new fans before he even returned to his newly adopted home in the City of Angels. Fresh off of this trip, Jackson will be playing at the Open Door in NoHo (who knew there's one outside of NY) this coming Wendesday. It'll be a treat if you get to see him sing, "Dance Dance."

The Other Door @ 8pm on Wedenesday, 2/15
10437 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA

Hear an update from the man himself =)

The last of the pianos 2011 (Pt. 2)

The home stretch. This was my last ditch effort before the Pop-Up Pianos from Sing for Hope were going to be shipped off (for a great cause). Armed with my Metrocard, flats and a list, I was ready.

My first stop was Long Island City, Queens. This piano was situated at Gantry Plaza State Park. It livened the place up, that's for sure.

A few minutes after I finished analyzing the piano, a child came up to me. He wanted to cover the piano back up in case it rained. He needed help. The boy wanted the piano to be safe. I helped him out a little bit because he insisted on doing most of the heavy work, haha. Awwh, New Yorkers DO care!

After I showed some of my pals my collection of pictures...I got in trouble for not visiting them while I was here! Now they have an I.O.U. that's good for a drink!

WARNING: If possible, avoid wearing a flowy skirt on a windy and humid day while trying to cover up a piano. It was a tricky act to try to cover EVERYTHING with 2 hands.

I spent more time trying to cover this piano, in Court Square, than I did taking pictures of it! I was using some ninja moves, with one hand grabbing the tarp, hook and skirt and the other just holding things down, when an extra pair of hands arrived to help me...with the piano's tarp! The gentleman was curious about the piano and also came over because of my struggling dance. Just in time. I was about to face plant onto the ground. He was excited to be able to speak to someone who knows why this piano was there! The gentleman then thought that maybe he can catch a few pianos around the city as well.

Staten Island Ferry! This girl is a pro. So is her friend that played after her, and the next friend that played after her! Goodness. I was surrounded by this group of young and talented musicians. Nope, nope. You do not want to hear me play. Not after them, haha. I love the colors and designs of this piano. It's very playful and beachy.

Staten Island Ballpark. I was so excited when I was walking towards this piano. Because there was a game going on, too! S.I. Yankees vs. Aberdeen Ironbirds (June 30, 2011). I haven't been to a baseball game in a while and I just love hearing the announcer's voice. It's usually overdramatic and HAPPY. This piano was right at the front entrance of the Ballpark.

Apparently, I spooked someone while I was taking this picture! Well, I was hiding behind a pole...

The spookee turns out to be a bag piper who just performed at the opening ceremonies at the game and is also an alumni of the NYC Sanitation Dept (NYC's Strongest!!). We chatted for a long time about pianos, education, games, the future, family, music and just had an awesome conversation! He asked me to play a few notes. I asked him if he was sure. Yes, of course. Then I'm going to apologize first. I haven't played the piano in years. Just never had the room for one.

After a few notes, I saw him still standing there...smiling and really trying not to squirm and laugh. I thanked him for not running away, haha.


Ending note: And so my 2011 piano hunt comes to a close. This was one "project" that will be unforgettable. I started out my hunt with just a mission to see all the different designs of these beautiful pianos. I never expected to meet so many people from so many different walks of life. I not only have a collection of photos but I have an even bigger collection of great stories and wonderful memories. Music truly is the language that brings everyone together. Thanks!

The last of the pianos 2011 (Pt. 1)

I tried my best. I barely made it to 20 of the 88 in the city. Maybe next year I'll hit 30! As of July 2nd, all the pianos are being shipped off to new homes in schools, libraries, community centers, etc. I'm pretty sure that these pianos will bring just as much joy to its new home as it did to all New Yorkers during the past 2 weeks (even the stolen one).

This piano was easy to find. It was right in front of the Alice Tully Hall. I reached for the tarp at the same time as a pianist did. I didn't even see him until then. We took the tarp off together (yay, team work!). I just sat there and watched him play a few classical pieces, while there was a cocktail party of some sort going on behind the glass walls of the Hall. It was a shame that the party wasn't able to hear what I was listening to.

This area was easy. There are 3 pianos within mere blocks of each other. I guess being the Lincoln Center has its perks!

When I got to this Diane Von Furstenburg designed piano, I saw a group of friends surrounding it. One was trying to play something. Anything. But he has been away from a piano for way too long. The other friends were encouraging him to continue. It will come to him. According to them, it would definitely be better than their attempt at it.

Not bad. After this impromptu performance, all the friends made it clear that they were proud of their very own pianist.

This is one of the designer painted pianos that will be auctioned off! The money from this auction will provide "under resourced NYC public schools" in the arts. But the memories and stories this piano provided to so many, are priceless.

This lovely lady grand was just sitting pretty in the David Rubenstein Atrium. I must've walked past this block 2-3 times before I found the slither of an opening to get in! It was lovely with a garden and a cafe inside. This place was very tranquil. And so freaking quiet. No wonder no one played on this piano.

Who would steal a piano?!

NOT. RIGHT. AT ALL.

It was just reported, by Gothamist and Daily News, that someone stole a pop-up piano from the Bronx! The culprit not only stole from the public but also the children that were supposed to recieve it after July 2nd. Argh. I'm sad to see that the 88 pianos have been reduced to 87. It's a lost key. Let's hope the guilty would be found...or get a concscience.

UPDATE: A local community group, Friends of Oval Park, will be replacing the piano! Here is the announcement. It's unfortunate to say but this time, please lock it up!

Pianos 6, 7, 8...and more!

Well, I went hunting again. Enjoy!

This guy was playing "Lean On Me," when I walked up. He had help from 2 singing vendors working nearby! @ Astor Place

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Battery Park! I had a hard time looking for this one. I figured since the Park isn't THAT big I'm sure I can find it...within an hour or so. As I walked along the waters I took in the view of my beloved Lady Liberty, the fishermen and the tourists (well they were in my way, lol). I walked all the way to the end and still, no sign of a piano. I stood for a minute and then I heard tinkering. A lot of tinkering. I turned around and BAM! 20 feet from me a man was brushing up his skills.


I gasped when I took off the tarp on this one. It has the official logo of the event! Yay for Sing for Hope! And it is so shiny. But I seriously wished it was at a less smelly place. It was kind of close to a restaurant's side door. This piano was stationed at the beginning of Coenties Alley. I haven't been back in this area for brunch in a long time.

I love flowers =) This one was hiding in City Hall Park behind City Hall. I was sad to see that this piano had gotten pretty worn from the weather. It's music books were still soggy from the rain probably the day before. A biker came up to me and said he was surprised that this piano was still able to carry a tune! We both agreed that this poor thing has been through a lot. After my photo session I covered her back up.

This trio was IN THE ZONE. The rest of the city was just background noise for them. I was lucky that they stopped for 2 seconds. Enough time for me to ask permission to take a picture of them (but the piano was the star, lol). CLICK. Trio resumes discussing their next piece. Latin dance.

CHINATOWN. I had to pay attention to the detail of this design. It was so simple but so nice. It's a brush drawing of a rabbit (for the rabbit year) and the iris is written over with the characters for sun and moon. I was in Chinese music central when I got here. Columbus Park is filled with old Chinese people singing opera, pop, old school music, playing chess or just chillin. On the other side of the park, you can spot a few basketball games going on. Ah, what a beautiful day. The group, to the right of the piano, was singing "My Heart Will Go On." I haven't heard that song in years and would've never expected to hear it here! Bravo! It was definitely fun to chat with the older people. They looked on as I took off the tarp of the piano. Of course I carefully wrapped it back after I was done. I was explaining to a few of them the purpose of it being here. The piano definitely belonged in this music haven.

Pianos 4 and 5 (2011)

Yes, I realize the picture to the left is not of a piano, but of a furry purple koala. The lovely lady was in a koala costume promoting a Broadway show while standing in a potted tree. I took this picture after I felt something bump into the back of my head which resulted in me freaking out a little bit and my good friend, Cauliflower, to laugh at my encounter. It was Miss Koala's ear that hit me. Hey, it could've been bird poo. Phew. Apparently Miss Koala got out of the tree and joined us at the piano (Broadway and 45th Street) when someone was playing it. Yay, to music bringing people together!

Onto the next one! Cauliflower and I made our way to the Library at Bryant Park. To our delight, we got there at the same time as a musician did. Craig Greenberg, just started belting out his songs. I'll have to check his music out, soon. While the rest of the surrounding people and we were enjoying Craig's music, a lot of commotion was going about. Then I realized that they were filming scenes for...White Collar! Ohmigoodness, I really like that show! The staff just started to build the set around us and asked if we can move back but offered to let us watch it on their monitors. The set was built in about 10 minutes. It was like watching Nascar. I saw Mozzie!! And Pete and Neal. Oh, Neal.

Oh, yes. Back to the piano. So Craig played a few more songs (which the White Collar staff stopped to listen to as well!) and then decided to head off to another piano. We stayed for a bit more to watch the action. Before we left, we covered the piano back up with its blue tarp since the gray skies were going to arrive soon.

I love the painting on the lower part of the piano that depicts a subway. Classic!

Pianos 2 and 3 (2011)

This darling is like a funky auntie. All bright colors and snazz yet comforting and trusting. I found her under the Archway of Manhattan Bridge. She is styling a knit cover that will also survive our summer showers under the Bridge. Give her a visit!

I was so upset when I was walking towards this piano at Shore Road Park. Why are you covered?? Can I help?? I went straight up and tried to uncover it so it can enjoy the sun!

But before I even tried, I heard "Nyet! Nyet!" I responded, "Da! Da! This is not supposed to be covered today!" The old man thought I was going to vandalize something. What?? Does this face look like it belongs to a troublemaker!? ...

Then I found a note on the blue tarp. "Sorry, this will be a rainy week so keeping covered!" Oh, phooey. You're only here for 2 weeks! I walked away in defeat. Sigh. Maybe I'll give it another try next week.

Piano 1 (2011)

Found one of the 88 pianos from Sing for Hope! This baby was sitting in Times Square on Broadway and 42nd Street. I found it being covered by Cookie Monster, Spongebob and Minnie Mouse. Only after I approached the piano did others realize that it was there. I hope all of you get a chance to show off your musical skills on one of these!

One down, 87 to go!

The next Piano Man - Jackson Tyler Hunt

Wow. Once I saw Jackson Hunt's face on his site (www.reverbnation.com/jacksonhunt) all I could think of was, "He wants to be Billy Joel?" A lover of the piano, Mr. Hunt has his own definition of what pop music is. He has the "stuff" to go the boy band route, though. But his bio states that he wants to follow in the footsteps of past piano greats like Elton John and Billy Joel, aka Piano Man. Currently, in his young career, he sounds more like Boys like Girls.

I can totally see him sing, "Throw it away, forget yesterday, we'll make the great escape!!"

This Missouri native is on the Reverbnation website, which supports indie music, musicians, venues, etc all in the name of music. It's also the only website (meaning no Youtube!) that has his songs available. Browse around it when you get a chance...after listening to Jackson's song, of course. His song, "Dance, Dance" is currently #3 on their chart! I'm excited to see what else he has in store for us.

Fortunately, for me, Jackson will be performing in NYC this week! He is scheduled to perform on April 13, at 11 PM at Banjo Jim's (700 9th Street, NY, NY). I'll have to go check it out. More reviews and pictures to come. Hope to see some of y'all there!