The Valparaiso Kiwanis Club has provided Valparaiso residents with an opportunity to play music around the city's downtown area. The chance to enjoy or perform outdoor tunes has been a summer staple in Valpo for three years.
“Our goal is just to bring music to downtown,” project co-chair Aaron Ingram said. “We want to give kids a place to practice or people a place to show off their talents.”
Ingram and his father Steve Ingram have been instrumental in the formation and development of the project. The pianos were delivered on Tuesday morning by Two Men and a Truck, led by Jeff Brown. Brown and his team hauled the heavy instruments on a hot summer day. The pianos are scattered around the downtown area, including several on Lincolnway, one just outside of Pat's Ice Cream Parlor.
For the next two weeks leading up to Tuesday, July 17 the pianos will remain in their downtown locations. Patrons of local businesses, people taking walks, visitors to the area or locals who want to enjoy some music or display their talent can all stop by to take advantage of the presence of the pianos.
“We’ve had a great response,” Aaron Ingram said. “Everything has been very positive. We’ve never had any instances of vandalism or destruction. Everyone seems to treat them pretty well.”
Ingram thanked Brown, Two Men in a Truck, Design Construction, BoyConn Printers, Evaluation Services and Tina St. Aubin of Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events for their help in making the project a success.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and play the pianos. A $50 Chamber Gift Certificate will be awarded for the best picture sent in of someone playing. Feel free to share the photo with ValpoLife as well by emailing share@valpolife.com!
Click here for a complete photo gallery of Tuesday’s delivery!