Downtown Alliance Wants to Keep the Music Playing Downtown

04/04/2011
Downtown Alliance Wants to Keep the Music Playing Downtown

The Alliance for Downtown New York wants to keep the music playing in Lower Manhattan, and has arranged for a piano to remain Downtown until August 1 for the public to play for free.

The piano was initially used for Sing for Hope’s successful "Play Me, I’m Yours" program, which put 60 pianos in New York City parks and public spaces for two weeks. The program ended on July 5th, but the pianos proved so popular that the Alliance for Downtown New York worked with the New York City Department of Transportation to keep one outside through July.

“Sing for Hope’s program was such a musical success Downtown that we want to give more visitors, workers and residents a chance to tickle the ivories,” said Elizabeth H. Berger, President of the Downtown Alliance. “Now there’s no reason not to practice in Lower Manhattan!”

The piano has moved to an expanded pedestrian space in front of 25 Broad St.; the spot was created as part of the City’s New York Stock Exchange Security and Design Enhancement Project and funded by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Earlier this summer, the Downtown Alliance lined the space with tables and chairs, which are available from 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday. The upright piano is available from 8 AM to 8 PM seven days a week through July 31.

“The piano immediately elevates the character of this pedestrian area, giving workers, visitors and residents alike a new way to enjoy the sights and sounds of this storied neighborhood," said Luis Sanchez, the Department of Transportation's Commissioner for Lower Manhattan. "We’re excited to partner with the Alliance on this creative approach to the streetscape.”