If the Rally Won’t Come to the Piano, the Piano Will Go to the Rally!

David Cutter and his traveling piano (Photo – Karen Hirsch)

Achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030 is a bold goal for Pasadena. It may even seem unachievable.

By Karen Hirsch

But many Pasadena residents believe that an audacious declaration is a vital first step toward realizing that goal. On Monday, October 24^th Pasadena community members gathered at City Hall to persuade city officials to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Over 1200 postcards from Pasadena residents were presented to city officials demonstrating how important this bold commitment is.

One musician/activist bringing artful inspiration to the rally was David Cutter, who, with his traveling piano, demonstrates the powerful combination of electric power (his e-bike) and music (his traditional acoustic piano). You may have seen David riding through the streets of Pasadena on his e-bike, upright piano in tow, heading to community events, sharing music as a force for community unity, inspiration, and delight.

As Director of the Pasadena Piano institute David teaches both private and team piano lessons.  He believes strongly that music builds community and calls people to action. David knows art often reaches people more profoundly than other forms of communication; to David, music has a universal power to connect people to each other and to their own best selves. For this Clean Green Pasadena Rally, David played music to inspire speakers and dignitaries as they stepped up to the microphone, lifting the message of the day.

You can reach David at the Pasadena Piano Institute at pasadenapianoinstitute.com. And you can find out more about making Pasadena’s Energy 100% carbon-free by 2030 at pasadena100.org.

Karen Hirsch is the owner of Apron Strings Community Bake Shop, a Pasadena cottage food bakery and teaching studio focusing on naturally leavened breads and wholesome treats.

David on the Road (Photo – Brian Biery)