Vicky’s of Sante Fe donates piano to Painted Hills Middle School
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - A generational donation. Vicky's of Santa Fe gifted its historic Baldwin 9-foot concert grand piano to Painted Hills Middle School. The piano has been a centerpiece of live music at the iconic restaurant for more than 37 years.
"It was such a joyful experience for me to sit down at a piano of this, like a 9 ft grand. The strings are so long and the tone is so rich and vibrant. It's just a joyous instrument and it was. You know, ah, what a glorious, glorious thing," said Slim Man, an award-winning Jazz vocalist who performs at Vicky's.
It reflects Vicky's long-standing commitment to music education and community engagement
"This is an absolutely amazing instrument. I believe there's not a middle school program that has an instrument of this caliber. This is a world-class instrument played by world-class musicians, and so it leveled up our program," said Dr. Brian McDaniel, the school's director of bands and choirs.
The Baldwin Concert Grand was originally purchased from the Los Angeles Unified School District nearly four decades ago. Now, in a full circle moment, it's making its return to education.
The restaurant's owners hope that the piano will inspire students for many years to come.
