News Summary
Coronado has revitalized its popular public piano, ‘Sit a Spell and Play a Tune’, as part of a seasonal initiative aimed at integrating arts into the community. Located near the Coronado Public Library, the piano encourages both residents and visitors to engage with music in a shared space. Its reintroduction will be celebrated with a sing-along event, fostering musical togetherness and enhancing the local cultural landscape.
Coronado has reintroduced its beloved public piano, “Sit a Spell and Play a Tune,” as a part of a seasonal initiative by the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission. The piano, an upright console type, is now placed next to the outdoor coffee stand at the Coronado Public Library and will be available for community members to enjoy.
The piano debuted on July 29, 2025, marking the start of what has become a summertime tradition that integrates performative and visual arts into the local culture. The initiative invites all individuals—residents, visitors, professional musicians, and novices alike—to engage with music in a communal space.
This public art project originated from an idea proposed in 2017 by Jeff Tyler, a former Commissioner of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission. Tyler was inspired by the sight of public pianos in bustling cities such as New York and even locations near the Arctic Circle. Since its inception, the program has grown over the years, showcasing an array of pianos in multiple public areas including Rotary Plaza and the Ferry Landing.
Previous installations featured as many as three pianos that were either donated by community members or salvaged and restored from items left during Bulky Trash Pickup. These pianos were also decorated with vibrant artwork from local artists. Currently, the reintroduced piano displays colorful designs inspired by Coronado’s landmarks, created by local artist Michael Ives, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the library’s outdoor area.
The seasonal pianos typically appear in May and are taken down in December to coincide with the local Christmas parade. Notably, the current piano comes complete with a secured bench and is protected with a locked cover and weather-proof tarp when not in use, ensuring its longevity and availability for the public.
The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission faced challenges in maintaining multiple pianos in the past. Previous storms resulted in significant rust and water damage, leading to only one piano being salvaged after refurbishment efforts. Despite the setbacks, the popularity of the public piano remains high, with community members often inquiring after it during the off-season.
This year’s reintroduction is overseen by Library Director Shaun Briley, who is responsible for the piano’s tuning and secure storage. To celebrate its revival, a formal reopening event will take place on August 15, 2025, featuring a community sing-along and a live piano performance. The previous sing-alongs have included collaborations with local music groups like the Crown City Chorale and the Ukulele Club, which provided lyric sheets for attendees, fostering a sense of togetherness through music.
The public piano is set to remain outdoors throughout the summer and fall, allowing for ample opportunities for the community to gather, play music, and connect. This vibrant program not only enriches the artistic landscape of Coronado but also strengthens the community bonds through shared musical experiences.
Residents interested in learning more about the public piano program or upcoming events are encouraged to get in touch with the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission or the Coronado Public Library for further information.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado News: Sit a Spell and Play a Tune – Public Piano Returns
- Coronado News: Coronado Public Library Offers Exciting Summer Programs
- Coronado Times: Ms. Mariah’s Music Offering In-Home Piano, Voice, and Guitar Lessons
- Coronado Times: Sit a Spell and Play a Tune – Public Pianos Back in May
- Coronado News: Coronado High Students Gain Real-World Experience
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
