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!!

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!