Pop-Up Piano

Seth and I headed up to Grand Army for lunch at the monthly Food Truck Rally (more on that later), and while we were waiting to meet up with Bric, we took a seat on some steps outside one of the pillared shelters. Inside sat a woman playing piano. We sat and listened to here. I was impressed by the set up - but not surprised. I've seen people playing pianos that were transported way below ground on the subway platforms. 

 Then she got up and walked away. It took me a moment to realize the piano was not her piano, but instead a piano for anyone to play.

 

So, Seth sat down and played for a moment. 

Pop-Up Pianos have placed 88 pianos throughout the city. They will be out until July 2nd and after that date, donated to different organizations. The purpose, according to the website, is provide all people with access to the arts. Such a cool cause! And the piano in Grand Army is beautiful! As soon as we move into a house, I want to get a used piano and collage it the same way this one was! 

I love this photo of Seth playing. I want so badly to get a piano, so he can play for me everyday!

Sand Artist

With the nice weather, I am spotting artist Joe Mangrum more often. On Sunday, I was not surprised to find him creating in Union Square.

Pigeon Guy

Everyone has their thing... This guy has chosen pigeons, and these passers by have stopped to enjoy them with him. We stayed long enough to snap a few shots before hitting the road with a quiver. What is New York City without pigeons? And even though I love this city dearly and I understand the place of pigeons in the city, you won't catch me letting them touch me, let alone eat out of my hand.

Subway Artist

So many performers fill the streets and subways of New York City. Today, I got on a crowded subway to see this artist sharing his talent by drawing out portraits for fellow subway riders.

Mermaid Parade

This is my favorite photo of the day!

Two weekends ago, Seth and I rented bikes and biked to Coney Island with our friends, Scott and Chelsea, for the Mermaid Parade. It was an amazing time! The weather was perfect, the costumes were beyond fantastic, and the day was great fun! (& I didn't get a sun burn!)

I am amazed by the costumes, the body paint, the lack of clothing, the creativity. There would never be such parades or people in the Midwest!

I snapped this photo quickly, not even realizing at the moment that he was the squid and the whale from the Natural History Museum!

I ended up getting the best photos on the board walk at the end of the parade. All the costumed participants posed and paused for photos.

Anything goes.

There were plenty of costumes related to the oil spill.

I will definitely make it out to the Mermaid Parade again! It was one of my favorite New York experiences!

Picnic in the Park

I spent Monday in Central Park, showing off a few of my favorite spots and enjoying a picnic and a few games in Sheep's Meadow.

We also heard a few musicians, which is always a treat!

Street Musicians

This group of banjo playing musicians was in Union Square a couple times last week. Unfortunately, I only got the chance to listen to them one of the times they were there. I didn't even get their name... I really hope they are out again another time I'm hanging out there. I love finding good music performances on the streets.