We’ve got rhythm! A piano in Ballard Commons Park

Today, a large rhythm instrument with elaborate pencil-sketches anchors on the edge of Ballard Commons Park. This is the second year that Pianos in the Parks has granted the park a piano for their month-long program.

Piano “Sketchbook,” designed by artist George Jennings was delivered to the park at 3:00 p.m. Thursday July 16th.

Other piano designs include Viking Ship “Marina Park Piano” to be located at Green Lake, according to Martinson Piano Moving. View a full map here.

The delivery followed the 2015 Pianos in the Park launch party at Lake Union Park from noon to 1:30 p.m where the decorated pianos were unveiled by their artists.

Soon after, a performance of Irving Berlin’s “I Love a Piano” was played on all the 22 designated park pianos. The tune was performed by Seattle area youth pianists and conducted by Ben Klinger of partner Classic Pianos.

“[Last year] we saw how a single, beautifully decorated piano can bring the community together and encourage the discovery and enjoyment of parks and public spaces,” said Robert Moser, president & CEO of Laird Norton Wealth Management.  “Our local parks are vital to creating a strong and healthy community… We’re excited this year to grow the program with more pianos in more parks.”

Laird Norton Wealth Management underwrites and manages the program with community support from a numerous amount of founding partners.

As the pianos welcome park-goers in their respective locations through Aug. 16,  people of all skill levels and musical persuasions are urged to enter the Pianos in the Parks video contest for a chance to perform as part of the Seattle Center’s Concerts at the Mural presented by KEXP 90.3 FM on Friday, Aug. 21. Entrants need to upload a video of their performance using one of the participating pianos to the Pianos in the Parks website.

Where do the pianos go after the parks? You can bid on them in the Piano in the Parks auction here.