Anyone have a spare piano?

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — FRANK GALE
THE WESTERN STAR

STEPHENVILLE
Peter Soucy can’t wait to come to Stephenville for the launch of a piano right after Christmas.
That is, if someone in the area has one to donate.
The Callahan Group of Companies has already been confirmed as a corporate sponsor for a public piano to be placed at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital.
Soucy is director of collaboration for Business and Arts NL. The organization runs a public piano program called #ComePlayWithMeNL, which restores donated upright pianos and places them in high-traffic public venues for everyone to use and enjoy.
Once an instrument is donated, they hire an artist in the area to paint it. When it's ready, a local musician or group is hired play during a launch.
“It’s amazing how they’re used. New events happen in the locations where they are and it’s a great addition to the places they go,” Soucy said.
He said there was a keen interest expressed by Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital and he’s also received a call from the airport in Stephenville.
“Our corporate sponsor had a particular interest in having one at the hospital, so the first one will go there. Who knows, it may draw interest in having one donated for the airport,” he said.
The program requires the donation of a low-rise piano, one where the player can see over the top of it while sitting at the keyboard.
The #ComePlayWithMeNL public piano program is growing and will soon have 13 pianos located throughout the province. A new one was recently donated to the Deer Lake Regional Airport and the old one that had been there has been relocated to Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook.
Soucy, whose brother Danny lives in Stephenville, said it will be great to visit with him and take part in the launch.
“These launches are always a good time with local performers to break it (piano) out,” he said.
For his part, Dave Callahan of the Callahan Group of Companies said he wanted to do something for people in general to bring peace and comfort, especially for those who are hospital bound.
He feels it’s a great tribute to his dad, the late Ron Callahan, who started their group of companies and to his mom, Sadie Callahan, who is still involved in the companies and a piano player herself.
“It’s heartfelt in that way,” Callahan said.
Callahan said the area has been good to his family, so they want to give a little something back.
Soucy said, if someone has a piano to donate, his organization can pick it up and ensure it will have a joyful second life.
To donate, call (709) 746-3470, or email [email protected].

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