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September 2nd, 2010



 

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January 21st, 2010
Picture This archives
 
 
Write a comment on this picture !
Read members’ comments [4]
Hartman's piano
It's Sunday afternoon - you walk into your neighbourhood grocery store to pick up some tomatoes, a loaf of bread and some eggs. You're greeted by the warm, soothing melody of piano music, but wait a minute - the sound is not coming from a stereo system! There's a dude sitting over by the produce section playing an acoustic upright piano. A real piano. A real dude. And you immediately feel a real connection with his music. You're transported back in time, even if only for a moment, to when hearing the sound of music meant a musician must be nearby. Alas, the experience is a fleeting one; you find yourself fast-forwarding back to 2010 and hurry off to the checkout line so you can get on with your life.

Though the Hartman's piano may seem but a small detail in our urban habitat, it is my opinion that the collective happiness level of Centretown's residents has dropped a bit since the store's management decided to remove the instrument from the supermarket's northeast corner, claiming the space is needed in order to expand the produce section.

Pictured below, at a meeting of the Centretown Citizens Community Association, is musician Dave Levin. He, among several others, spoke passionately about the piano and how much he'd like to see Hartman's bring it back. To let your voice be heard, leave a comment below this article. I will be happy to pass your message along to Hartman's owners.

photo and words: Ben Welland




 
 



Write your comment on this article!


Eccentric Entertainment  
 
I remember the piano and it's random collection of players being the highlight of shopping at Hartman's. Sometimes the music was great, but that was never a guarantee...yet whenever someone was brave enough to strike the keys, this display of creativity and individual colour brought a smile to my face. It's sad that Hartman's is willing to be reduced to 'just another grocery store', instead of relishing the vibrant urban spirit that its location permits.

Collin Shaw

May 28th, 2010

Hartman's  
 
I didn't even know about this, but if they brought back this unique form of shopping I'd definitely go out of my way to check it out.

Josee Lacroix

March 4th, 2010

music festival  
 
Last year in Sydney Australia during their music festival they placed pianos all around the city. In stores, on the street, on the ferries - all over. They were free for anyone to rock out on. It was such a fun experience, and usually (depending on the musician choice of song) brought joy to all the listeners. I think the piano is a great idea!

Lisa Hoba

March 2nd, 2010

Sorry I missed  
 
I would have loved to go downtown to do groceries to the sounds of a live piano man. It's the sort of thing that makes it creative for those that are single looking for love in the aisles, or in couples, or even just want to go grocery shopping with their Mothers as a conversation peace.

Miguel Gil

February 25th, 2010


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