Dates Of Event: September 23 – October 10, 2016 (photos taken Oct. 5 & 6)
Locations: Throughout Boston (see attached map below)
Dog Friendly: Yes
Web Site With Map: Street Pianos
If you hear the faint sound of piano music along city sidewalks and parks, don’t be alarmed. You’re not imagining it and, despite it being close to Halloween, it’s not some ghastly theme introducing an apparition.
Since 2008, the international tour group, “Play Me, I’m Yours” has been leaving pianos in public spaces for all to enjoy. Part of street pianos and the brainchild of Luke Jerram, the “Play Me, I’m Yours” program has installed over 1,500 pianos in 50 cities worldwide. The pianos have been artistically decorated by local artists and neighborhood clubs. Many of the pianos, as you will see below, have artistic themes painted on then that are representative of the area they are located in.
With 60 pianos located throughout the city, you’re sure to find one in your travels if you do travel to the city. I was fortunate enough to see a few of these pianos. initially, my goal was to photograph all 60 pianos. But, since this is the final weekend they will be in Boston, I wanted to post about them before they are gone. Please note, some of the pianos are only out during certain hours, usually the same hours of the businesses they are located in front of. The pianos will be donated to neighborhood groups and youth groups after the program is over.
I noticed this piano (with some help from a co-worker) on the way to work. It is located on the boardwalk in front of the Children’s Museum (308 Congress St, Boston, MA). The buildings in the background provide the perfect backdrop.
Since it was close to my place of business in the city, I was able to visit this piano during my lunch break. It is a beautiful and actually a very peaceful area to relax, despite all of the construction and the busy street it is located off. It is located at Seaport Green by District Hall, South Boston.
To get a change of scenery, I decided to go into the busier sections of the city Thursday. This piano is located at the Massachusetts State House at Ashburton Park, Boston. It was great to see so many people of so many backgrounds using the pianos. The look of concentration on the pianists’ face below and the ease at which she plays is incredible.
The next piano I found was at Reader’s Park in front of a Walgreen’s, of all places, at 24 School St, Boston. I waited around for while to take some photos of the piano unoccupied but he played for a long while. But, I think it is awesome to see someone be so focused!
The last piano I visited is next to the Macy’s at 450 Washington St, Boston. Some people are camera shy.
Even the dogs came out to see the pianos. Charley is a 3 year old Pomeranian with beautiful markings.
I am truly impressed by anyone who can make such beautiful music.
October 7th, 2016 at 3:25 am
THAT is really cool! Thanks for photographing and sharing it with us!
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October 7th, 2016 at 3:33 am
Thank you! I thought it was pretty cool also! I just wish I knew about it earlier so I could photograph more of the pianos and pianists. I’ll be ready next year, though, if they do it again!
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October 8th, 2016 at 3:30 am
Thank you for reading and commenting!
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October 7th, 2016 at 3:52 am
This is so awesome… That’s it! When I visit, I have to see these pianos and play!!! My favorite instrument is the Piano!
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October 8th, 2016 at 3:29 am
I would love to hear you play ( :
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October 8th, 2016 at 3:33 am
A little rusty… but I will enjoy playing 😜
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October 7th, 2016 at 3:55 am
Just… WOW! It is so awesome… I wish I could be there right now to play a little and listen to other pianists…
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October 8th, 2016 at 3:30 am
That would be a lot of fun. I could sit back on one of the benches nearby and just listen to you and the rest of these gifted musicians!
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October 8th, 2016 at 3:34 am
I will sit with you and we’ll listen together… I am sure that will be more relaxing and entertaining 😊
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October 8th, 2016 at 3:36 am
That sounds perfect ( :
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October 7th, 2016 at 4:54 am
Such a cool new tradition!
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October 7th, 2016 at 8:00 am
I always feel so inadequate when I hear somebody playing like that. I’m more the type who helps move pianos rather than plays them. This is a wonderful idea and ten out of ten for camouflage for the blue piano in front of the Children’s Museum!
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October 7th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
I know what you mean I can’t get over how talented and disciplined someone must be to learn and master that instrument. They did have some pretty cool designs on them for sure!
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October 7th, 2016 at 10:59 am
Love the concrete jungle/ human zoo quote on the last piano. Such a great project!
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October 7th, 2016 at 10:52 pm
That is so cool! I had to photograph that phrase!
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October 7th, 2016 at 2:50 pm
These always make me happy when I pass them on my way into the office!
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October 7th, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Me too! They’re so cool.
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October 7th, 2016 at 7:11 pm
It is a wonderful idea with these pianos, Wayne 🙂
Thank you for sharing with us.
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October 7th, 2016 at 10:46 pm
Thank you, Irene! I could sit in the park or boardwalk or where ever they have them and just listen and people watch. It’s so cool and I have so much respect for someone who can not only play so well but have the courage and confidence to play in front of others. It’s great!
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October 22nd, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Wayne, Lovely article! I’m the last pianist you photographed on the golden State House piano, which I love. Thank you so much for the kind words! I do not practice the piano anymore, but it was fun to play these pianos in the wild while they were here. I missed the Street Pianos the last time they came to Boston in 2013, and I’m glad I got to play them this year. All of my playing was impromptu, and some of it was sightreading of pieces that I enjoy and hoped others would enjoy. Here is a small YouTube playlist I made. I linked the State House video to your blog as well. 🙂
Also, WBUR Arts reporter Andrea Shea included me in her piece, as she happened to be at the Christian Science piano doing a piece about the piano tuner for Street Pianos. Thought you may enjoy this as well!
http://www.wbur.org/artery/2016/10/07/street-pianos-tuner
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October 23rd, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Thank you so much, Janet!I enjoyed photographing you! You’re very talented.
I appreciate the thoughtful comment and I will check out the clip you attached.
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March 21st, 2018 at 11:01 pm
[…] taking photos/video of me in the beginning of this video. Here is his post on Boston Street Pianos! Street Pianos – Play Me, I’m Yours (Boston, MA) Boston Street Pianos: Citi Wang Theatre […]
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