On Sunday, May 1, at 7 p.m. Austin piano players will gather ‘round the 14 “Play Me I’m Yours” pianos in town to raise a joyful sound in honor of Pinetop Perkins. Pinetop died in Austin March 21 at the age of 97.
Organizers have invited piano players from across the spectrum to play for Pinetop and say goodbye to the pianos, which have been present in public places around downtown...
[read more] On Sunday, May 1, at 7 p.m. Austin piano players will gather ‘round the 14 “Play Me I’m Yours” pianos in town to raise a joyful sound in honor of Pinetop Perkins. Pinetop died in Austin March 21 at the age of 97.
Organizers have invited piano players from across the spectrum to play for Pinetop and say goodbye to the pianos, which have been present in public places around downtown through April as part of an event presented by Art Alliance Austin. Piano locations can be found at
www.playmeaustin.com.
“We have many wonderful stories about these pianos already,” said the Alliance’s Program Director Allison Specter. “I just can’t think of a better way to close out our month than having a star-studded tribute to Pinetop.”
Already, Nick Connolly, Riley Osbourn, Red Young, Robert “Beto” Skiles, and Chip Dolan have joined in. A complete list of confirmed participants follows below. Though each piano will be anchored with these notables, players of any age are all invited to come out, join in, and play one for Pinetop during the event.
It will be a celebration for Pinetop and a fundraiser for the Pinetop Perkins Foundation, created to fulfill a mission to provide encouragement and support for youth and young people at the beginning of their musical career; and help provide care and safety for elderly musicians at the twilight of their career. Donation boxes will be placed at each location during the event.
www.pinetopperkinsfoundation.org
Organizers of this event include Roger Allen, producer of KGSR’s Lone Star State of Mind, Art Alliance Austin, Susan Antone, Pinetop Perkins Foundation, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, City of Austin Music Office, Texas Music Office and Cash Edwards Music Services.
Confirmed Players as of 4/24/11:
Kris KeyZ
Nakia Reynoso
Nick Connolly
Riley Osbourn
Mike Flannigan
Red Young
Bruce James
Eastside Flash
Robert Skiles
David Webb
Matt Hubbard
Meagan Tubb
Stephen Buckle
Matt Wilson
Chip Dolan
David Boyle
Stewart Cochran
Matt Farrell
Kit Holmes
