The Pianos Are Back

There may be no single key to happiness, but 88 keys can get you there. That’s the number on a standard piano keyboard, and it makes us very happy that 10 pianos will once again be stationed around town for the fourth year of City Sounds, the public piano project created by Kathryn Dickel and Larry James.

As before, the pianos will appear freshly painted in grand style by local artists. You can read more about the artists and their work here.

The program kicks off this Saturday, May 20, with a sequential series of free 30-minute performances by talented pianists, at each of these 10 piano sites. Performers include the NOLA Jazz Band,Christopher the Conquered and Jordan Mayland (pictured above at last year’s season opener). Get the full lineup of performances here. The series starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. An after-party follows at 8:30 p.m. at Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E. Court Ave. It features music by Dave Zollo &  Body Electric. For tickets ($10, 21 and older) and more information, click here.

Pianos will remain throughout the summer. Anyone is welcome to noodle around on the keys, play a little riff or launch into an impromptu performance. (“Chopsticks” never gets old.) Gather ’round. Sing along. Or if you don’t have time to stop, just enjoy this sweet aspect of local life as you stroll past.

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