The concerts provide the public with an opportunity to listen to artists from many genres, enjoy the outdoors, and have fun.
“We work really hard to offer a multitude of genres that speak to our entire community,” said Steve Ahrens, Common Chord’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. “It is always a good time. We do it rain or shine.”
Ahrens explains that through this summer concert program, “People are able to get a good sense of what live music in the Quad Cities means,” Ahrens stresses the importance of the community being able to hear the voices and sounds of local music artists right here in the Quad Cities area.
Additionally, Common Chord is continuing its OneSound Piano Program and has added even more pianos and locations all over the Quad Cities area.
This year, 13 pianos painted by local artists are scattered throughout the area for people of all ages to play and enjoy at local businesses. Some locations include the Niabi Zoo, Antique Archaeology, Quad Cities International Airport, Quad City Botanical Center, and the Martin Luther King Center, among several other places.
“People skilled, and maybe novices, come up and get to play on these pianos throughout the season,” said Ahrens.
People of all ages and skill levels can not only play and listen to the pianos but also enjoy the artwork painted on them, which is unique to each location. Pianos can be found both indoors and outdoors, depending on where it is located. For a full list of locations, visit commonchordqc.org.
“What it really does, ultimately, is keep music at the forefront in our community,” said Ahrens. This year, Common Chord is celebrating 20 years of connecting the Quad Cities area to music, and the “Live at 5” concerts and the OneSound project are perfect ways to engage with music locally.