The words “free”, “local”, “outdoor”, and “concert” should be enough to convince everyone to run from their cubicles to have lunch on the lawn. But even more persuasive is the talent of the upcoming performer, Sheldon Zandboer. Zandboer is one of four pianists yet to play for Picnic at the Piano this summer, a series of monthly performances from May to September. His concert will take place at noon on June 27 at the Olde Towne Plaza or, if the weather is poor, the show must go on inside the Rotary Performing Arts Centre. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lunches (and everyone they know) to build the atmosphere made possible by the collaboration of several community members. “One day I was walking down the street and I thought - wow, wouldn’t it be great to have a piano at the plaza?” said Allan Boss, Okotoks’ cultural and heritage manager. “I knew about public pianos from having seen them at other municipalities in Calgary and around the world.” Boss told his idea to Art Gieck, who donated a piano. The following year, the Okotoks Art Council supported a community contest to have it painted. After the final unveiling, Boss said it made sense to use it for concerts in addition to public use. “For a number of years I worked for CBC Radio and had made some connections in the music world, so I started by reaching out to some of those connections to get some names of folks that would be able to play,” said Boss. The majority of performers, including Zandboer, are from Calgary, but the event has a tremendous role in Okotoks. “These free events… really help build community,” said Boss. “They promote business, they bring people into the downtown core… those things contribute to the identity of our town, which is one that’s accessible and welcoming and a lot of fun to be in.” Boss said that the concerts attract between 150 and 300 attendees, depending on the weather. “There’s always people wandering by, and they always stop to listen to a song or two,” said Boss. Zandboer is sure to attract an audience because of the uniqueness of his shows. Despite his impressive classical background and formal experience (like wearing out tuxedos and playing for the Queen), Zandboer approaches his performances in Okotoks much more casually. He bases his concert off audience requests. “I would much rather play what [the audience] would like to hear than what I think [the audience] would like to hear,” said Zandboer. “I have a kooky memory… If I’ve heard it and remember it well enough, I can usually play it.” Zandboer said that there are only a few requests each show that he can’t deliver, but he likes the challenge. “You just gotta walk in and make sure you haven’t been drinking that day because you’ve got to be sharp,” he said with a laugh. “You’ve got to really dig in and dig deep and get your memory cued up.” Boss said this will be Zandboer’s third time performing for the series. “I think I’m back because I’m truly there to be enjoyed - rather than being on display. I’m there to almost be at their service,” Zandboer said. “I think that’s kind of the success rather than to be admired. That actually turns into admiration in the long run.” More information about the Picnic in the Park series, including a schedule of performers, can be found online at okotoks.ca.
