Pawtucket Piano gets a makeover after city councilor complains

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@AmandaPittsTV

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Businesses in Pawtucket are teaming up to save a sidewalk piano, after the way it looked struck a bad note with a City Council member.

The “Pawtucket Piano” was placed outside of the News Cafe in May as a musical outlet for the community.

The piano was headed for the dumpster when cafe employee, Justin Foster, had an idea to use it to bring new life to the downtown area.

“Sometimes I observe from a distance and don’t interact just to see, and people, families… it brings joy to people for sure.”

Foster, who’s also a music teacher, had a vision for the piano to unite the community, and so far so good. Passersby stop by regularly to play the keys.

“We saw the piano here… we opened it up and played. It gives people of all types the opportunity to come by and play, whether or not they’re a virtuoso or a beginner or have never played the instrument before. It’s a great thing,” said Theo Regan of Pawtucket.

But not everyone agrees. Pawtucket City Councilor John Barry said he thinks it’s an eyesore, and initially thought the cafe had it outside to throw out.

He encouraged the cafe to either clean it up or get rid of it.

“You know, it’s just an opinion from one of the council people and we’re gonna take steps to try and make it a better, more appropriate, and more inviting place for everybody,” said Foster.

The piano has since gotten a makeover, and local businesses have stepped in to help spruce it up. Barry tells us, as long as it looks good, it’s okay to stay.

The cafe is planning on adding a mural to the space right behind the piano.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018