Sidewalk Singalongs
The pianos are coming back
About Lodi – FRIDAY, 5/15/26
The painted pianos are back, which means downtown Lodi is once again one surprise singalong away from becoming an outdoor recital hall. You may have spotted a few of them around town in recent years. The project is a collaboration between the Lodi Arts Commission, Lodi Arts Foundation and Sayla Music Academy, pairing public art with the possibility that someone walking by suddenly decides they’re this close to Carnegie Hall. City spokesperson Nancy Sarieh says the artists and locations change every year. Typically, four or five pianos are placed around town — one in front of the library, one downtown and the rest at various spots. The city is now establishing a Painted Pianos Capital Improvement Program with an initial cost of $6,000. Officially, it’s a recurring public art initiative meant to enhance community spaces, support local artists and promote cultural engagement. Unofficially, it’s a good way to make a sidewalk a lot more interesting. The Arts Commission has recommended formalizing the program through a dedicated capital improvement program.
TASTE OF LODI: Summer is right around the corner and locally-grown blueberries are a local favorite. Loca Blueberry Farm opens on May 21, according to their social media post. The family-owned you-pick blueberry farm is located on Kile Road at the end of North Ray Road and offers blueberry lovers the opportunity to pick the ripe, juicy berries fresh from the shrub. If this sounds like fun, you’d better hurry. The season only lasts through June.
GETTING HIGH IN LODI: Have you noticed?