Watch as pianos emerge at city parks

It’s time for everyone to channel their inner Mozart, Liberace, or Elton John.

A line-up of colourful pianos have appeared for the summer around Kelowna’s parks and public spaces.

The Pianos in Parks initiative, thanks to Festivals Kelowna and multiple sponsors, features seven decorated units aimed at promoting visual art and community interaction.

“We’re extremely excited,” Project Coordinator Saturday Sazaran told Kelowna10 during the setting up process Thursday. “It’s a big part of the community and we love involving more of the community year after year. It’s exciting to see how it progresses.”

The pianos, which are free for anyone to chance their fingers with a little boogie-woogie, jazz, rock or classical, are now positioned in their respective locations until early September. There are two new settings this year, at either end of Pandosy Street.

They all feature artwork from locals and the one at the Stuart Park waterfront, has a golden Labrador painted above the pedals.

“I’ve always lived in the area and it’s so nice to be able to paint something about my home,” young artist Nex Fletcher explained. “I’m really happy that it’s out here for people to see and play with.”

As always, volunteer ‘piano man’ Elmer Epp from Okanagan Piano Services was on hand to ensure each unit was properly set up and tuned for their debut.

After a quick dance of his fingers up and down the ivories, in front a rapidly growing crowd, he was given a round of applause.

It’s exactly the community engagement and response the organizers are hoping to achieve as Kelowna embraces the first full summer post-pandemic.

Here's where you can find the pianos:

2949 Pandosy St. – In the parking lot of Bread Co.

1598 Pandosy St. – in front of Pulp Fiction Coffee.

Kerry Park waterfront, by the Ogopogo sculpture.

1430 Water St - Stuart Park waterfront.

1355 Water St - South Art Walk – between the Law Courts and the Library parkade.

421 Cawston Ave - in front of Roma Nord Bistro.

115 Roxby Road - in Roxby Square, Rutland.

For more details click here.