Tune in to new music fest and perform in the street

Saturday 20 June 2015

A handful of old pianos done up by local artists are being spread around the Island this week to encourage you to make music in the street.

Jersey Street Pianos' month-long music fest has been composed by Martin Coxshall who is calling on all local musicians and music teachers to tune in to his idea and help make the month-long project a success.

He hopes to see teachers giving some free piano lessons, tickling the ivories and organising public sing-a-longs and to get people singing and dancing in the street.

Organiser and Pianoman Martin Coxshall said: “I want to give people a chance to fall in love with the acoustic piano again. Pianos are often seen as cumbersome; not fitting in with modern lifestyles. I have gratefully been gifted so many instruments to use in this project, which unfortunately proves the point.”

“I have seen such support, enthusiasm and generosity from individuals and businesses and the work of our exceptional artist and technical team means the pianos will look and sound fantastic. They bring participation and creativity into everyday life, providing opportunities for a different kind of interaction public areas”.

The event, being sponsored by Economic Development and the Jersey Arts Trust will see seven instruments being set up in key spots around the Island - Jersey Airport, Liberty Wharf, Elizabeth Terminal, St Brelade's Parish Hall, the Central Market and they will be dotted around town.

The Assistant Minister for Economic Development Deputy Murray Norton said: “EDD support for Jersey Street Pianos represents the Department’s first direct investment in cultural activity since it took on responsibility for the portfolio on behalf of the States.

“Street Pianos represents a fun, colourful as well as musical way to encourage local people and visitors to the Island to join in with this summer’s sporting and cultural extravaganza and will help Jersey increase its international reputation.

"I would like to wish Martin and his team every success with its efforts and encourage all local piano enthusiasts to help ‘light up’ the streets of St Helier and other locations throughout the early weeks of summer."

Jersey Arts Trust Director Tom Dingle said: "We're delighted to support such a fun and community focused concept. Not only will it be great to bring music into public spaces but to also celebrate the work of local artists through their decorating of the pianos. We wish the organisers every success with this endeavour." 

Martin is happy for anyone to make music but he doesn’t want anyone to hog the limelight for more than 25 minutes.

Martin said: “The Piano’s can be used for any type of performance and with as many performers as you like, as long as it is respectful to the instrument, audience and businesses around and safe. It is advised that any one performer has a break after 25 minutes.”

He's set up a Facebook page so that all those making music in the street can upload a picture of them performing and share it on his Facebook page ‘Jersey Street Pianos’.

(Picture credit: Andy Ellis photography)