Whole City's Fancy Tickled By Tickling Ivories
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A citywide piano project is bringing music to people across the city, but along with great music are some serious issues being raised about public performance and public space. NY1's Arts reporter Stephanie Simon filed the following report. Whether you tickle the ivories or pound the keys, play solo or with a group, there is now a piano for you. In fact, there are 60 pianos around town for anyone to sit down and play.
The project, called "Play Me, I'm Yours," takes place in New York City and London, and is the brainchild of British artist Luke Jerram. He says the pianos are a blank canvas for everyone else to express themselves.
"It turns out musicians of New York aren’t allowed to play on the street, are not allowed to busk, are not allowed to perform. And suddenly these pianos arrive and this is their opportunity, a stage for them to go out and play in public without needing a music license because we've got all that in place," says Jerram. "So suddenly, it's a kind of liberating opportunity for all these musicians around New York to allow them to express themselves and play in public."
From now through July 5, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, anyone can sit down and play at 60 different pianos across the city. “Play Me I’m Yours” is being presented by the not-for-profit organization Sing for Hope.
Among the group's many missions is making the arts more accessible, and so far it’s working.
The band "J Roddy Walston and the Business” hoped to play all the pianos in Manhattan in 12 hours.
In Times Square, the piano bench was never empty for more than a moment.
"I think it's terrific, because it opens it up to really anybody who wants to sit and hear, and it's an outlet for me in the middle of a busy workday," says one player.
"I heard there was a piano here and I'm coming to rock it," says musician Chris Rob.
Inside Chelsea Market, acclaimed jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov was inspired to play. It is quite a different venue from his regular concert halls and clubs.
"Well, obviously it's different, but I think just being on the street, meeting new friends and raising awareness for music and just sharing that wonderful moment is just for everybody. So that's why I enjoy it," says Djangirov.
Not only piano prodigies can to play -- everyone can come out and enjoy the piano. Even some NY1 interns and I were inspired to play a little "Heart And Soul."
For a link to the map of all the pianos, visit www.streetpianos.com. For more information about the project, visit singforhope.org and www.lukejerram.com.