play me, i'm yours

Sufficed to say, I was no Mozart back in my pigtail-wearing, piano-playing days. I could handle "Chopsticks" pretty well, but "Fur Elise?" I never made it past the first few measures. It's a shame, really, as I would love to be more musically-inclined. When I think of all the times my mother said, "You'll wish you practiced more one day!" Well, she was right. Regret is a terrible thing, isn't it? Not to mention acknowledging once more that your mother was, indeed, correct about so many things.

Being musically "challenged" does not mean, however, that I don't appreciate music, in most of its forms (I'll leave the heavy metal to those still sporting acid wash jeans and frizzy hair). Living in NYC, we have access to some of the most notable music venues in the world... for a price, of course. Not to be outdone, however, there is free entertainment to be had - summer concerts in NYC area parks draw thousands every year. Personally, I enjoy hearing the many street performers playing on sidewalks and subway platforms all over town. Granted, a merry band of Mariachi players in your ear + splitting headache = a few choice words I can't repeat here.

This morning, I read about Play Me, I'm Yours. Beginning this weekend through July 5th, 60 upright pianos will be distributed throughout the 5 boroughs. Anyone can walk up and play. Made possible by the non-profit organization, Sing for Hope (with help from the mayor's office), the pianos have been painted ahead of time by artists and community groups, and will be donated to local schools and hospitals after the impromptu concerts are over. The brainchild of artist Luke Jerram, the project was designed to bring people together - to provoke conversation and encourage "ownership of their urban landscape." Play Me, I'm Yours has taken place all over the world, from London to Sydney.

Click on the link above for a map of piano locations. I notice 2 of the pianos will be situated in my neighborhood, so I hope to check it out soon. Perhaps I'll give Baby S her first piano lesson. Or maybe we'll just listen...

*word on the street is that Alicia Keys is helping promote the project and may be offering up a song at some point. Tune in to her Twitter and Facebook pages during the event time frame for more info.