Another Year of Flower Pianos in the Gardens of Golden Gate Park
Musicians from all over the world are playing pianos among flowers and crowds at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Hundreds of people have been gathering throughout Golden Gate Park Gardens to enjoy piano music from several artists. The performances started on started on September 10, occurring daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event attracts people of all ages due to free admission for San Francisco residents with proof of ID. On the afternoon of Sept. 14., folks could make their way to various gardens within the Botanical Garden, following the sounds of the pianos.
In the Ancient Plant Garden, a woman donned a colorful blazer, scarf, and sunglasses. Over 50 people crowded around the grand piano to absorb the jazzy tunes
Caroline Dahl, a local musician, performed a program titled “Boogie Woogie Piano: Blended and Bunkum-Free.” She played eleven jazzy pieces, including a medley of songs.
With a Southern accent, Dahl introduced several of the pieces, including a couple of original songs, titled “River City” and “Broke Finger Boogie.” The latter, she penned after breaking her finger on April 29 earlier this year, causing her to spend six weeks in a splint.
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dahl made her way to San Francisco after visiting for the first time. “I went home and worked another year, quit my job, sold my stuff, packed a bag, packed a box, moved out, stayed in a flat with five other roommates and got started like that,” said Dahl.
“It was meant to be. One thing was positive after another,” she said. Dahl told the crowd that her next gig will be in Eureka for the Redwood Coast Music Festival.
Laura Ann, an avid boogie woogie fan who watched Dahl’s performance, said: “It was excellent… I came here especially for it, just to hear her. I love Boogie Woogie music, and she just played with so much heart and spirit.”
Ann explained that the term “Boogie Woogie” was coined in 1928, gifting Dahl with a children’s book that she penned titled Latte’s Broadway Boogie Woogie.
Later in the afternoon, the duo LaMophon performed “Beethoven: Odd-Numbered Violin Sonatas” at 4 p.m. in the Redwood Grove. Composed of pianist Lydia Lo and violinist Matthew Leung, LaMophon performed at Flower Piano for the first time.
The pair both hail from Hong Kong, but they only just started performing together approximately two years ago after meeting at church. Lo and Leung, both 31, studied music education at San José State.
“Do you know the word gramophone? LaMophon is a [portmanteau] of our names and the word gramophone,” Leung said.
The two played the first movements of Beethoven’s odd-numbered sonatas. After their program, the duo had stickers they encouraged listeners to take home.
After LaMophon’s set, Robin Krop, a pianist, explained that this event has been occurring for eleven years now. “I have been coming every year, and I know the founders,” Krop said, while also expressing that she wanted to collaborate with artists to work on more art in nature projects.
Music and nature lovers from all over the Bay Area can continue enjoying Flower Piano in the Botanical Garden through September 20.
