EVERETT — Pamplona, Spain has the annual running of the bulls. Everett, Washington enjoys a decidedly less dangerous but more dulcet summer tradition: outdoor pianos. Everett’s Street Tunes begins its four-week run at 11 locations around the city, including nine around downtown Everett. The pianos will be deployed for curious and accomplished musicians until August 19.
The donated pianos are vibrantly hand-painted, creating a visual theme to go along with the musical experimentation and varying proficiency of the player. The volunteer program is designed to encourage people, spanning the range of musical ability, to stop, take a moment, engage the black and white keys, and create a soundtrack to the cityscape this summer.
Pianos are generally available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as the hours of the piano availability tend to match the hosting businesses’ hours. If you want to explore the scattered pianos to see the artwork and even play your own original or favorite song, they are found at the following locations.
- Angel of the Winds Arena
2000 Hewitt Ave.
Street Tat-tunes by Colby Avenue Tattoo - City of Everett Municipal Building
2930 Wetmore Ave.
Music Leopard Lounge by Janet Wold - Everett Public Library – Main Branch
2702 Hoyt Ave.
Find Your Voice by Nicoli Q. Dommin
- Everett Public Library – Evergreen Branch
9512 Evergreen Way
Play Me A Tune in the Rolling Hills by Krista Jefferson - Grand Leader Mercantile
2110 Hewitt Ave. (new location on the east side of Broadway)
Moonlight Garden Jam by Holly Stafford - Imagine Children’s Museum
1502 Wall Street (look for the piano on Hoyt Ave.)
Tickle My Keys by Jackie Cort - Schack Art Center
2921 Hoyt Ave.
To be delivered and named – week of July 27 - Sno-Isle Food Coop
2804 Grand Ave.
Street Concerto No. 1 by Vincent Keele - The Dance School
2817 B Rockefeller Ave.
To be painted and named – by the end of July - The Village at Casino Road
14 E. Casino Rd. (inside the courtyard)
To be painted and named – throughout this month - Village Theatre/KIDSTAGE
Wetmore Plaza – 2710 Wetmore Ave.
Intertwined by Amber Forrest
Erickson Furniture is providing piano covers. Roger Gable is credited for tuning them before placement in the above locations. Pro Piano Movers volunteered to transport and place them at this summer’s locations.
Go forth and make music, Everett. Your chance for being gored or trampled is virtually nil.
