Pianos designed by local artists on display across New York City
NEW YORK -- Starting Friday, dozens of pianos are popping up across New York City in an arts movement that's back for another year.
Organizers want to strike a chord with the public, CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported.
Bringing music to the streets, the nonprofit "Sing for Hope" is replacing the city's noisy soundtrack of honking horns with honky-tonk music and every other musical genre.
For the next two weeks, you'll notice 100 pianos painted by local artists popping up around the five boroughs on sidewalks, in parks and public squares as a way to inspire music.
"Kids, like, go crazy as soon as you play that. It doesn't matter where they're from, they'll run over to the piano," said Randy Naraine, a Sing for Hope volunteer.
"I'm not very musical at all, but my son loves to sing and loves to tinker around with musical instruments," one woman said.
Back for its 16th year, the annual event kicked off with a free concert at Liberty Plaza, featuring student choirs from Fiorello LaGuardia High School and PS 191.
"Music brings people together. It's the bond that everybody shares," one student said.
With so many recent heavy headlines, Blair Green turned to his hopeful song, "Over the Rainbow."
"Music is, honestly, the most important thing in my life," Green said.
Anyone is welcome to play, even beginners.
"I stopped by because I love to play the piano," Leda Young said. "Music is a great healing force, and ... we're all going through a tough time right now. So just walking on the street, it lifts your spirits."
When the two-week pop-up wraps up, the pianos will be donated to schools to continue inspiring music.
Click here for a map of where to find the pianos.