Category Archives: pianos

October 7, 2016

Street Pianos – Play Me, I’m Yours (Boston, MA)

Dates Of Event: September 23 – October 10, 2016 (photos taken Oct. 5 & 6)

Locations: Throughout Boston (see attached map below)

Dog Friendly: Yes

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!