A while back I met Frank Hortop at the dental implant clinic, who is in his 70’s and fit as a fiddle. He is more active than I am, and a quite the role model. When he found out that I played the piano, he invited me to his piano club. To my delight, I was not only treated to wonderful music and food, but a group of incredible people who share the same love for music. Anny used to be a pop star with her band in the 60’s in europe. Jack plays old ragtime standards with this small pad of paper full of numbers and a lot of flair. Frank himself only started piano a couple years ago.

I have been inspired by the group, with their enthusiasm and musical energy. Though I am around 40 years younger than some of the members, there is no definition of age when you share a common passion for music. For me, it does not matter whether I play in a concert hall or a living room, I enjoy playing in both settings. In fact, it’s more intimate when people sit so close because you feel their energy a lot more. The group is very encouraging, and they come out to all my concerts (including their interest in coming to see my band =).

Anyways, to Jane, John, Frank, Ann, Suzanne, Sandra, Jack, Thecla, Terri, Anny, Linda, and Rennie...thank you for inviting me into the group! To everyone who plays piano (big or small), I encourage you to do the same and start your own piano club. Come on...everyone cool is doing it!

Here are some facts about this piano group (thank you to John for providing this information):
- The group started in 1994 as a amateur piano gathering to encourage individual playing and learning – no matter what level of piano skills and experience. “It’s all about the joy”
- Officially called the Woodburne Piano Gang, after Norman Woodburne, one of the original members and a restaurant owner and piano player. He died in 1995.
- The group has twelve current playing members, and several that have been around for over ten years.
- Participants vary from people active in the workplace to retired folks. Several people play by ear, including one blind individual who has started learning in recent years.
- We meet once every six to eight weeks throughout the year on a weeknight.
- The venue rotates from house to apartment, so there are a wide variety of pianos/keyboards.
- Each person plays one or two pieces. They range all over, from classical to show tunes to ragtime. The “audience” applauds all efforts in an appreciative manner. We support all effort and there is no criticism allowed.
- The rest of the evening is social & light food is served, having been brought potluck style by all participants.
- We record the people and piano pieces in a journal as a record.
- Occasionally, the group attends special events, like “Two Piano, Four Hands” several years ago.

Frank was not at the last meeting, so I don’t have a picture with him. Next time, Frank! But he is a part of the original piano group (seen in the top left):