Painted pianos are a popular addition to the local scene

James Gierke and Octavia

By Diane Hettrick

The Painted Pianos are wildly popular in Shoreline.

James Gierke and the Shorewood Band found the octopus at Haggen Northwest Fresh store (formerly TOP Foods) and entertained a large crowd that came out for the grand opening of the new store concept on August 3rd. 

Octavia Rises, by Shoreline artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom, and Sue Wallace.

This was just a portion of a Shorewood band performance and hot dog sale to raise money for a concert in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  

Norinka Federow plays the piano at Gateway Plaza

Norinka Federow plays the piano called Keyboard Skydance, by artist Jennifer Carroll, at Gateway Plaza. She is typical of the dozens of individuals who stop to play for a while. Each piano has a notebook where people can record their thoughts about the experience.

On the hottest day of the year, a young man was playing this piano in the direct sun, while his family gathered around and took his photo. At the Market Fresh cafe on Sunday afternoon, a different man was playing rollicking music on the octopus piano while half a dozen people sat on the benches for his impromptu concert.

Mark McVeeety plays on Wonderland by Heather Carr
at Central Market

 Now we know what all those piano lessons were for!

Mark McVeety plays on the Werner Piano Cafe
by KJ Bateman on the Red Brick Road

It all ends on August 30, so get there while you can. One piano will remain - the grand at Shoreline City Hall will stay in place for future concerts and events. Pianos are at Darrell's Tavern, Central Market, Spartan gym, Richmond Beach shopping center, and one other location.