Unlocking Community One Key at a Time
Michael Brown-photo by Rebecca McInroyWhile running across the 1st Street Bridge, I literally did a double take when I heard Michael Brown of the band Auroravore playing a familiar tune. It seemed natural, like a cherry tree in bloom that might go unnoticed if it weren’t for the alluring scent. It was the familiarity that drew me to him. The sheer normalcy of a piano on a bridge being played well by a kid in jeans and a t-shirt struck me as so ordinary that I almost didn’t stop.
Indeed artist Luke Jerram, with his project “Play Me I’m Yours”, has made it luminously clear that music does not keep Austin weird, it keeps Austin Austin.
Through May 1st, 16 pianos will be scattered around Austin as part of Art Week Austin, a project of Art Alliance Austin. Members of the public are encouraged to play the pianos, as well as decorate and personalize them. People can upload photos and videos of the pianos along with comments to the website www.playmeaustin.com. When May 2nd rolls around the pianos will be donated to local schools and community groups.
Check out Michael Brown.
