Pay What You Can To Play it Forward
Pian-O-thon Take 4! Saturday, May 6, 9am – 9pm
Northern Hotel Lobby, 172 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Fort Collins, CO You can’t turn around in Fort Collins without finding a great music event. There’s no better way to connect people then through a shared musical experience. Off the Hook Arts fourth annual Pian-O-thon brings players of all ages and genres of music together for a 12 hour marathon of music making on May 6, 9am – 9pm, as they raise money to benefit Blue Star Connection and Off the Hook Arts Academy free and low-cost music education programs in the Fort Collins area.
“People sign up from all different walks of life — some play jazz, solo classical piano, blues or chamber music — we love having them all together in this eclectic mix of great music making, “ says Executive Artistic Director Jephta Bernstein. “Our motto is ‘play-what-you-can, pay-what-you-can.’”
Whether a performer or music appreciator — this is an ideal way for all ages, skill levels and players of any music style to easily give back. The historic 8-foot, 1879 Erard grand piano is provided by local piano restorer and jazz musician Dan Fahrlander for a distinctly unique experience in the glorious Northern Hotel Lobby located in downtown Fort Collins. He gladly donates the piano, and has for the past two years. Registration is possible through Off the Hook Arts website and all performers are welcome. All you must do is play the piano. Sign up for at least a 15 minute segment and donate at least $15 per person.
Off the Hook Arts Academy programs provide free and low-cost music programming that serve over 150 K – 12 students directly and hundreds more indirectly through public performances. Their programs include: in-school instruction; a Chamber Music Academy; 5 day summer music camp; Educational Residencies that bring high level musicians in to work with students and give free performances; as well as sponsored music performances during OtHA music festivals that are free or heavily sponsored.
“We chose a partner this year that matched our mission of working with kids and bringing the joy and benefits of music to them,” stated Bernstein, “Blue Star Connection does amazing work providing free instruments to children with cancer and serious illness. We are starting to do similar redirection of donated instruments to students and families in the area and connecting them with teachers that can provide instruction. It seemed a perfect fit for our mission!”
Funds are also raised through audience attendance with a suggested donation of $5. Food will be available throughout the day, donated by local businesses like Buttercream Cupcakery and Great Harvest Bakery. Sponsors include Exodus Movers, Acoustic Ranch, KRFC and Espresso di Cincotta. Learn how you can give back through the gift of music making: http://www.offthehookarts.org/events/event/pianoathon-take-4/.
For additional information or to be involved as a volunteer please contact Jephta Bernstein, [email protected] or call 970-305-2261.