Mayor Gregor Robertson to kick off Keys to the Streets by delivering piano by bike

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      Vancouver’s popular Keys to the Streets—a program which places pianos across the city for public play throughout the summer—returns tonight (July 11) at 6 p.m. with a fundraising jam session featuring Mayor Gregor Robertson.

      Taking place at the Woodward’s atrium (accessible at 128 West Hastings Street or 108 West Cordova Street), Keys to the Streets: Woodward’s Summer Jam Session will raise money for the now three-year-old program, which will see 12 pianos—10 upright, one traveling, and one baby grand—positioned around Vancouver from this Wednesday (July 13) to September 15.

      Tonight’s fundraiser will debut Keys to the Streets’ newest addition, the Imagine piano, to the public. The baby grand has been painted by local First Nations artist Zola, who drew inspiration from John Lennon’s 1971 tune, “Imagine”.

      Mayor Gregor Robertson is scheduled to deliver the baby grand by bike at 6 p.m. to the Woodward’s atrium, where local musicians like Willa, Bend Sinister’s Dan Moxon, and Colour the Wild will christen the piano in a jam session.

      A “surprise celebrity”—not Robertson—is also expected to appear.

      Following the event, the Imagine piano will remain at the Woodward’s atrium for public play until September 15.

      All funds raised at Keys to the Streets: Woodward’s Summer Jam Session will help cover costs related to the maintenance of the pianos and transporting them around the city. A portion of proceeds will also go toward honorariums provided for artists who paint the pianos.

      Keys to the Streets: Woodward’s Summer Jam Session takes place tonight (July 11) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to register and donate $5 in advance online, or to make a contribution at the doors, which open at 5:30 p.m.

      For more information about Keys to the Streets, click here.

      Local soul queen Dawn Pemberton playing "For You" on a Keys to the Streets piano at the False Creek Seawall in 2013.
      MARCEL CHAVES AND TRAVIS LUPICK
      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

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