It’s the week before the launch of Pianos in the Parks, something LNWM fostered and is sponsoring again in 2015. This time around, there will be more pianos in more parks throughout our area (Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and other parts of King County). In fact, 22 different artists from the Gage Academy of Art are now busily painting the pianos at Skinner Auditorium at St. Mark’s Cathedral on Capitol Hill (stop in to see and encourage them!). LNWM’s CEO Bob Moser explains why we’re thrilled to be making Pianos in the Parks happen again this summer.

Q: How did PIANOS IN THE PARKS came about in the first place?

Bob: LNWM has always been about helping our clients and their families be successful. We know that to be truly successful, you need to focus on more than just financial success; you need to help families maintain and increase their sense of well-being.

In terms of well-being, we think strong and vibrant communities are vital since they add so importantly to the quality of life. We also know that for communities to thrive, we must be passionate stewards of the environment. This is why here at LNWM we value those things that create a sense of community, that bring people together in a way that connects them to each other and to the nature that surrounds us. For us, the support of local parks, music and arts organizations is a great way to put our values into action.

Last year, Pianos in the Parks was a huge success for everyone involved – us, the artists, our partners, and of course, our community.

Q: Why is LNWM involved in such a major effort as Pianos in the Parks?

Bob: We have deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, and we understand the importance of strengthening our communities – especially those that have helped us to grow. For us, this means committing not just time and funding, but directly promoting and participating in ideas that have a positive impact on the Seattle area. We’re proud of our role in encouraging people to discover our parks and open spaces, in this case through music and art.

Q: How is Pianos in the Parks 2015 different from 2014?

Bob: This year, we’re putting more pianos in more parks, with help from a growing list of community partners. It really is a community effort. Our new partners include: the City of Bellevue Arts Program, Bellevue Parks & Community Services, Classical KING FM 98.1, Kirkland Parks & Recreation, Mercer Island Center for the Arts, Mercer Island Parks & Recreation and Seattle Center.

Working with us again in 2015 are Seattle Parks & Recreation, King County Parks, Classic Pianos, Gage Academy of Art, Seattle Symphony, KEXP 90.3 FM, PlayNetwork and Seattle City of Music.

It’s great to have all these organizations coming together once again, including recent supporters KCTS 9 and Port of Seattle. We don’t want to mess with success, so we’ve made the conscious decision to keep most things about Pianos in the Parks exactly as they were last year. More or less, we’ve “fine-tuned” this program for its second year.

Q: When does it all start?

The kick-off is at noon next Thursday, July 16, at Lake Union Park, next to MOHAI [Museum of History and Industry]. All 22 pianos will be there to be unveiled and played, before being moved to their assigned parks. I encourage everyone to join us for this event, which will feature lots of music, food and fun.

Q: For you, what’s the best thing about Pianos in the Parks?

Bob: I love seeing how all these different organizations are working together to make Pianos in the Parks happen. And it’s wonderful to see how these pianos inspire people around them. The pianos bring people together in new and unique ways. The Pianos in the Parks website and the Facebook page will be where to find out about what’s happening again this year. This city has a lot of talent, and these pianos bring that out in really organic and beautiful ways while encouraging people to discover our parks.