Village of Homewood Announces Pop Uprights to Play, Beg. 7/4

The Village of Homewood proudly announces Pop Uprights to Play, a new public art project sponsored by the Village Council for the Arts. Local artists and service groups are painting murals on donated pianos to be placed around Homewood with an invitation for anyone to tickle the ivories regardless of musical talent. Pop Uprights to Play will be unveiled during the 4th of July parade and be available at the Family Fun Fest at the Izaak Walton Preserve immediately following the parade at 12 a.m. Pianos will appear around Homewood throughout the summer until Homewood's annual Fall Fest and Chili Cook Off on September 15, 2012.

"This is your 'keys' to the city," said Rachael Jones, Village of Homewood special events and public relations manager. "It is a fun and interactive way for people to connect to the community in a memorable way. Pianos to Play are available for anyone to show their musical and creative side. It's a unique collaboration between the Village and its business community.

Pop Uprights to Play will be located outside many Homewood businesses throughout the summer. Homewood will announce the location of the pianos on its Facebook page. The Village also encourages businesses where the pianos pop up to take photo and videos of players to post to Facebook.

"I think the Pianos to Play Program will create a fun and playful atmosphere within the business district and direct the public's attention to shops and restaurants they may have never really looked at before, said Pam Dennis, owner of Bella Vita and executive director of the Downtown Homewood Business Association. "As a shop owner, I love to see people gather around my storefront and this program provides an opportunity for them to in a unique and musical way."

Pop Uprights to Play runs from July 4, 2012 to September 15, 2012. If someone is interested in donating a piano or submitting a proposal to paint a piano, contact Rachael Jones atrcjones@homesweethomewood.com. Pop Uprights to Play is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.homesweethomewood.com.