We Want These Musicians To Play At The 88 Pianos Set Up Around NYC

Last year a bunch of pianos were set up around New York City's parks and streets, allowing any passerby to bang away at the keys. And now they're back! Starting this Saturday (through July 2nd), 88 uprights will be available in all five boroughs, that's 28 more than last year. They will all be adorned by artists—including a colorful knit one that will be placed under the Manhattan Bridge archway—and you can find out where they'll all be on this map. While it's endless fun to hear strangers practice chopsticks, what if some famous faces showed up? Click through for who we'd like to see take a seat at one of these.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on June 15, 2011 11:55 AM

Comments [rss]

JOENONPAPA

Jerry Lee Lewis!!!

ImperialStout

I want to see Keith Jarrett try to play something, but instead be constantly berating the loud street noise for being rude.

chuzzlewit

i'd like to watch diamanda galas eff one of these pianos up.

robingee

Billy Joel circa 1980 maybe.

Mark Lee

"While it's endless fun to hear strangers practice chopsticks..."

I thought this was going to be the case for sure last year, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the musicians who sat down to play the pianos. I heard very few people just dicking around; I think the public gaze was enough to discourage that sort of thing.