Have you Heard? Play Me, I’m Yours Brings People Together

The Play Me, I’m Yours Pianos have decorated our city now for two weeks.  The review: A success.  The Fountain Square pianos have certainly gotten their share of use; people from around the city come daily to sit on the benches in front of Graeter’s and Palomino’s. They share their musical talent with businessmen and women enjoying their lunch, families rushing to watch the Reds fight to win the NL Central, and couples devouring the seasonal flavors at Graeter’s (currently Coconut, Peach, Mango Sorbet, and Watermelon Sorbet).  One Graeter’s scooper mentioned that she wished the musical airwaves could make their way into the store.  If you are a person who would prefer a little more solitude in playing, stop by the pianos at 6:00 am, the sound created is magnificent.

The pianos located at Music Hall and the downtown library also attract people to see and hear the audio artwork.  Local

Local musician Jake Glaser teaches his new friend how to play the piano

musician Jake Glaser spent time playing the piano and teaching some of the local youth his way to play the piano, while they taught him their way (randomly bouncing their hands from key to key).  The willingness of local musicians, like Jake, to play and teach simultaneously for the love of music and art is at the heart of the project.  A true gathering place of the public, the pianos create a sense of community that isn’t based on spending money, but on coming together around something beautiful.

This weekend, on Saturday August 21st, there will be two Play Me, I’m Yours events held that exemplifies the beauty that can be created in art and music.  At Price Hill Chili, at 10:00am there will be 30 minutes of Bach played sponsored by the Bach Society of Cincinnati. This event is an excellent opportunity to get out and see one the pianos on the Westside of Cincinnati and enjoy one of the great restaurants our city has to offer.  The goetta is great!  If you still have a desire to hear more music and enjoy one of the other treasures in Cincinnati, head to the Deerfield Graeter’s, one of the company’s newest stores, and treat yourself to the music of pianist Sergei Polusmiak at 8:00pm.  Don’t forget to enjoy some ice cream while listening!

There are still more pianos to come.  After August 27th, more pianos will be placed around Cincinnati, in places like Mount St. Joseph College, Xavier, University, and the new School for the Creative and Performing Arts.  Get out and enjoy the beauty of the Play Me, I’m Yours art project and enjoy some of the nearby Cincinnati food while you’re listening.

-Sean