Friday morning, the Pianos in the Parks campaign had planned a performance in Cal Anderson as part of a sunny morning in the busy central park. The piano tuner had even paid a visit Thursday to make sure the upright was in tune. This morning, however, we found a spokesperson for the campaign hanging out to share the sad news: Cal Anderson’s piano was too busted to play and in need of repair. Given recent news, CHS decided to make the best of it in a public space that just can’t seem to get a break.
Please enjoy our possibly nausea-inducing ride around the park. We’ve added Variatio 14 a 2 Clav. by Kimiko Ishizaka from The Open Goldberg Variations to accompany. Go ahead and suggest other possible soundtracks in comments.
Pianos in the Parks organizers said other performances are scheduled around the city in coming weeks — including in Volunteer Park. You can keep track at pianosintheparks.com.
I love this video! What is your camera setup like?
Handlebar mounted gopro — Glad you like it. I’m worse than a drone :)
…and this is why we can’t have nice things. I’m glad I took the time to play a tune last week.
Kudos on the video it literally made me smile. Excellent soundtrack selections.
I tried playing it a few days after it went into the park and while it was nice to play, and while I was playing it quietly, that didn’t stop a bunch of jerks from shouting “USE SOME FUCKING HEADPHONES!” at me and completely souring the mood for me.
Yet another event in the daily litany of stabbings, shootings, muggings and general harassment in Cal Anderson. I felt safer walking through New York’s Central Park at night than I do in broad daylight in this place.
Such a shame — it could be a great backyard for city dwellers. Fortunately, there are plenty of other outdoor spaces available to residents.
I never cease to be amazed at what vandals do. Jerks!
Thankfully the one at Westlake Center is working fine. And people there, from families to gutterpunks, are pretty respectful of anyone who plays it.
[…] in the Park promotion hit a wrong key with its Cal Anderson deployment — after repeated need for repairs from damage suffered at the hands of vandals, etc., Seattle Parks opted this week to remove the […]
[…] off to the highest bidders to support public open spaces in King County. In addition to inspiring musical spins around Capitol Hill’s green spaces, the Pianos in the Parks campaign has also inspired some […]