Tune up your voice, dust off your instruments, and get ready to make some music! The Cultural Arts Commission and Coronado Public Library are hosting a Community Singalong to celebrate the unveiling of the 2026 Sit-a-Spell Public Art Piano. Join us on Wednesday, July 1, at 1:00 PM by the Library coffee cart to pump out some patriotic songs and other popular melodies. No talent or experience necessary!
Sadly, though, this hasn’t been an easy journey, as time and weather took their toll on the piano from previous years, setting off a search for a worthy successor. Thankfully, it happened on Coronado Happenings, the community’s largest Facebook group. Just in time, a post appeared from a woman in La Mesa seeking a new home for her piano.
“It was my daughter’s piano when she was living at home, and she was still attached to it,” says Linda Humes Johnsten, who lived part of her childhood on Coronado and still keeps up with our happenings. “But, I convinced her she could find another where she lives now. Really, we just wanted to reclaim the room the piano was taking up, and she was very pleased it was going to such a great place!”
A trip to La Mesa ensured the piano was in good shape, and that the owners were apprised of its new life living outdoors half the year. It turns out they were honored that their daughter’s piano would represent Coronado and provide enjoyment for all who wanted to play it.
Then, more help appeared when the Friends of the Library stepped in to have professional movers bring it to their storage space until the art wrap by local artist Michael Ives could be properly sized. Come out and give this piano and its storied journey the respect it deserves. Bring your voice and any instrument you play to pay homage. We’ll warm up for the 4th of July Parade with patriotic numbers such as America the Beautiful, God Bless America, God Bless the USA, and This Land Is Your Land, plus fan favorites such as Margaritaville, Surfin’ USA, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and Hotel California, among others. Lyric sheets and light refreshments will be provided, along with a chance to sing or just listen to great music with friends, and meet new ones. See you there!
VOL. 116, NO. 26 – July 1, 2026