Travel Blog

23 Jul

Vancouver Public Pianos are Back in Action for 2015

vancouver public pianos 2015

Image courtesy of Bored in Vancouver | Flickr.com

Don’t be surprised to hear the sound of pianos being played in public spaces in Vancouver this summer. The Vancouver public piano project (known officially as Keys to the Streets) is back for another year of spontaneous piano performances and the sounds of “Chopsticks” in the air.

There are 10 public pianos decorated by local artists and cared for by volunteers sprinkled around Vancouver. The pianos offer a space for improvisational gatherings, spontaneous connections, and celebrations of music.

After facing funding issues, the Keys to the Streets initiative was able to raise enough fundraising support to bring back the pianos for 2015. So where exactly are these pianos? You have 10 to choose from in these popular locations:

  1. Canada Place at 999 Canada Place (West Side) – map
  2. Spyglass Dock at 1800 Spyglass Place (under the Cambie Street Bridge) – map
  3. Strathcona at 898 Prior Street (community garden) – map
  4. Chinatown at 188 East Pender – map
  5. Robson Park at 525 Kingsway – map
  6. Vancouver Public Library at 401 West Georgia – map
  7. Creekside Community Centre at 1 Athletes Way – map
  8. Nelson Square at 808 Nelson Street – map
  9. Lot 19 at 901 West Hastings Street (at Hornby) – map
  10. Stanley Park at the Vancouver Aquarium at 845 Avison Way – map

keys to the streets vancouver 2015

Image courtesy of Bored in Vancouver | Flickr.com

The Keys to the Streets concept was first started in 2013 as a student initiative in the CityStudio project school. Since then, it has been identified as one of the most engaging and accessible projects in Vancouver and has transitioned into its own entity.

Check out one of the pianos, or check out them all! If you’re not sure how to play any songs on the piano, here’s a handy guide to simple kids songs. Surely you can handle some “Itsy bitsy spider”? Eventually you’ll be jamming out some Beethoven with the best of them!

The Keys to the Streets Vancouver public pianos will only be around until August 24, 2015, so make sure you take some time to see them! For more information about the initiative, or to donate to the pianos, you can check out the official website.

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2015/07/22/vancouver-public-pianos-are-back-in-action-for-2015/