Santa Clara County
This is your chance to play your own piano concerto in a backdrop of nature. For the third consecutive year Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation is placing five pianos in the most picturesque spots in five County Parks and they’re there for your enjoyment beginning September 6 through October 5, 2016.
Sunset Piano in partnership with County Parks is continuing to discover how placing pianos in an outdoor environment affects human behavior and spirit. Pianos in public outdoor settings provide musical engagement opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy including some that have never had access to a piano. Pianists of all ages and skill levels from Chopsticks to Chopin can play as long as they wish. You might play in solitude or to an impromptu audience of hikers, bikers and joggers.
The pianos can be found in five iconic County Park locations: iconic Vasona Lake under the sycamore tree by the boat rental area, Historic Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum near the lushly renovated garden on the patio deck, Uvas Canyon under the redwoods and near the waterfalls at the outdoor amphitheater, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch’s Anglers picnic area looking upon the rolling foothills and Joseph D. Grant under the stars near the historic Grant house and rose garden.
Local schools, musicians, artists, poets, and all other user groups are encouraged to spread the word and share the music of life. Reserve a performance time at no cost by contacting Santa Clara County Parks reservations at 408-355-2201.
County Parks extends their sincere thanks to partners Dean Mermell and Mauro ffortissimo of Sunset Piano and DC Pianos of Berkeley, which donated the instruments to make pianos in the parks possible.
A Free Community Concert headlined by Sunset Piano will be held on October 2 from 4pm to 6pm at Vasona Lake County Park. Classical, Jazz, and pop selections will delight and entertain audiences with the accompaniment of birds and breezes. More information and a schedule of performers will be posted on the Santa Clara County Parks website www.parkhere.org. Vasona Park has a vehicle entrance fee of $6.00.
The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department has provided recreational opportunities, beautiful parks and precious natural resources for Santa Clara County residents for more than 50 years. This golden legacy has resulted in one of the largest regional park systems in the State of California.
