I’ve got rhythm. I’ve got music. Who could ask for anything more? How about eight artist-decorated pianos that anyone can play, set at various locations throughout University City?

Exhibition Map

Heart and Soul is an interactive public art exhibition coming June 7-17 from the folks at University City District (UCD), that seeks to combine performance and visual art and bring people together in a new way. Last night, there was a launch party for this exhibition at The Porch at 30th Street Station. We hear it was a good time.

The eight locations (follow the above Heart and Soul link) each feature a piano decorated by a different local artist. They include Terry Adkins at The Porch, Melissa Maddonni Haims at 33rd and Market Sts. at Drexel University, Joe Boruchow at 39th and Walnut Sts., and Katie Holeman at 43rd and Baltimore Ave. at Clark Park.

Image of the Joe Boruchow piano. Looks really cool.

West Philly has birthed some music icons: Patti Labelle, John Coltrane, Solomon Burke (known as the Godfather of Soul, the man who wrote “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love). Is there another young genius rambling about town that could have the idea for the next masterpiece sparked by one of these pianos?

–Lou Mancinelli