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Original Story, Jan. 16
Hat-tip to my good friend Art Pedroza, over at the New Santa Ana Blog – How else would we have known about the Pacific Symphony’s trippy and ambitious project “OC Can You Play?” If Art hadn’t done his story I mean.
I’m not sure exactly why, but they have paid twenty artists (including an ex-wife of mine) to paint twenty pianos that have been located at twenty different locations throughout Orange County, and are there from yesterday (Sunday the 16th) until February 6. And I feel that it’s incumbent on me as Orange Juice Editor to not only play all those pianos, but get videos made proving it.
Yesterday Art met me at Santa Ana Artists’ Village, and filmed me doing my version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” – my version of which incorporates Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus:
Later in the afternoon I managed to find the piano hidden in the middle of Fountain Valley’s Mile Square Park – they don’t make it easy! I did meet Danny Trejo’s cousin Wilberto while playing there, but I’ve got no video proof so I’ll have to return. I’m gonna hit every one of those pianos, though, and keep OJ readers apprised. Here are the locations:
1. South Coast Plaza – Carousel Court (map)
2. South Coast Plaza – Jewel Court (map)
3. South Coast Plaza – Macy’s Home Store Wing (map)
4. Orange County Performing Arts Center (map)
5. Irvine Spectrum Center (map)
6. Orange County Great Park Balloon & Visitors Center (map)
7. No Square Theatre, Laguna Beach (map)
8. The Lab (map)
9. The Block at Orange (map)
10. Downtown Fullerton (map)
11. Brea Downtown (map)
12. San Juan Capistrano (map)
13. Downtown Disney (map)
14. Barclay Theater, University of California, Irvine (map)
15. OASIS Senior Center (map)
16. Hoag Hospital Irvine (map)
17. Downtown Santa Ana (map)
18. OC Parks – Mile Square Park (map)
19. Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center (map)
20. OC Parks — OC Zoo (map)
And you can get more information here; there’s prizes involved; you’re welcome to set up your own events etc; they’re gonna auction off the pianos at the end. If you figure this thing out better than I have, good for you!
Orange county is well represented by Vern although the venue doesn’t do him justice. Thanks to Art for his help! Got any music available Vern? I love Leonard Cohen. And here I thought you were all about classical music….
You are wearing my hat Vern! And Leonard Cohen is the only liberal thing that crosses my lips!
I love you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm….la la!
My kids where playing the same type of piano at the Irvine park today!
After a close examination folks, I have determined that the piano is that run on programmed paper tape. Same like the one from the old honky tong days.
Because, it is impossible that a musician who can play the piano would sing so much of the tune.
You old devil:)
So Vern, where are you going to be next?
Good question, let me update this story right quick!
Vern. Stopped to see mayor Dave this morning and called your cell at 7:30.
He will try to be there on Sat.
Vern, enjoying life, what a guy
How cool! The Chopin was lovely. Can’t wait to see/hear you play Carolyn’s piano!
When are you going to the Lab?…………
Been meaning to call you about that, Gericault – around your area we’ve got the Lab, the Oasis Center in Corona Del Mar, the South Coast Plaza pianos… I wondered if you wanted to do some of those with me this coming week.
Vern. I just stopped to see the colorful piano awaiting your fingers inside the Murray Center.
It reminds me of the piano inside the Magic Castle in Hollywood where you call out songs and Irma plays them from some cloud in the sky. During one of our visits to the Castle several of us we tried to stump her and requested songs unique to our high school. She blew us away as the ivory’s began to move.
Larry you are one of the amusing human. Why you like this with her?