News

La'l Tethera - 04/12/2023 Many of you will have known Ada since she was very small - singing at my open mics as a three-year-old Well she's now 17 and in her own band the fabulous trio La'l Tethera We intend to put them on at the shop in January and during Haworth Festival in July 2024

Open by appointment - 01/10/2021 We have managed to maintain our business throughout the covid epidemic working in our lovely office above the shop (pictured) We are now open by appointment. New (old) pianos are arriving and we have a range of instruments as ever, including guitars and didgeridoos We are not yet putting on events but that may happen again in the new year

Shop Closed - 02/06/2020 We have closed the shop due to the COVID virus and will not be open until July at the earliest depending on how things pan out. We have sold one piano by remote interaction but most people wish to see, feel and hear a piano before purchase. We are also selling art-work, prints, cards and wire bird sculptures by online order

Blüthner 6 foot grand - restoration NOW complete! - 16/12/2018 After many months in our workshop the restoration of the Blüthner grand is complete. Works have included: Full re-stringing and all new tuning pins Sound-board repair and re-finishing Frame removal and re-spray Action refurbishment - (re-face hammers, replace worn felts -hammer rail, balance, front touch, clean front and balance pins, re-pin hammers) Re-finishing of cabinet and cleaning all brass It is looking and sounding splendid

Light - 18/08/2018 A stunning new piece by Jane Sedgwick Now displayed at Keighley Design Centre until further notice

Gallery - 29/02/2016 The gallery has been up and running for some time now. We have had exhibitions by several local artists and our own resident artist Jane Sedgwick, including her collection 'Body Image'

Accordions - 28/02/2016 Local accordion restorer Don Greaves has been bringing in some of his collection of accordions. Don is a retired civil engineer, expert model-maker and amateur accordionist - he is also an interesting local character

NEW GALLERY OPENING - 01/06/2014 We are rearranging the shop to include an art gallery. We have always had art on the walls and have held exhibitions and workshops on a sporadic basis but this will now become a formal gallery. An opening exhibition featuring the work of three local female artists of very different styles is planned for next month Jane Sedgwick Liz Shaw Alice Mill

Open Mic Night - Cobbles and Clay - 04/05/2011 A regular monthly session open to all would-be performers - we like debuts and surprises but welcome seasoned musos too. So far we have had accordion, cigar box guitar, solo voice, comedy spot, harmonica, Native American flutes, piano, guitar and vocals, humorous readings, covers, originals, banjo, didgeridoo, Peruvian nose flute, poetry and in 3 sessions at least 10 people getting up and performing for the first time in their lives. Lovely supportive atmosphere, food and drink available. Free entry!

Didgin in the woods - 10/07/2009 Judy Woods to be precise - where I played as a kid. Bradford Youth Service and their new open air venue had an open night.

Love Apple - Sunday Funday - 10/05/2009 A didge workshop and performance - improvisation with DJ Clunkt de funkt. DJ Aunt Sally also performing there on a regular basis

Ada and Ada - 27/03/2009 I don't know if this is news or not but taking Ada to visit Aunty Ada in the nursing home in Warrington was one of the best days I've had in years and I think this picture tells the story. The older Ada has been depressed and confused and was almost completely deaf on the day; but there is communication here despite all that and a 90 year age gap.

Corporate Training - 01/01/2009 New for 2009 Our didge workshops tailored to businesses. Motivate your workforce. Improves: Public speaking Teamwork Confidence Dexterity Coordination Musical skills Enjoyment Job satisfaction One-off workshops or continuing workplace training in music, rhythm, voice.

Festivals 2008 - 26/08/2008 Well festival season is drawing to a close - we have had some great but wet weekends in fields and can now look forward to more indoor gigs. Unless we get a great autumn in which case we may be looking at other outdoor events. We had didging fun in 2008 at: Ecofest Keighley Festival Hebden Fringe Dewsbury Festival Healingfest Solfest and unfortunately missed Small World Music Festival this year due to illness (too much time spent in fields in the rain!) The pic shows our set-up at Solfest

Didge Day at Eastwood School - 19/03/2008 We spent a day at a primary school in Keighley recently. By the end of the day 465 children had played a genuine termite hollowed didgeridoo and heard demonstrations of didge and drumming. It was hard work but very enjoyable - the children were polite and engaging and asked some very intelligent questions. We are hoping to return to the school and work with them again. Thanks to music teacher Judith Hargreaves for inviting us.

Nelsons Wine Bar - Hebden Bridge - 02/12/2007 ...and the first Sunday of each month... Come along and bring your talent. This is a very friendly and supportive open mic, with very varied performances, from spoken word to blues harmonica. No one has tap danced yet or played the saw but it's only a matter of time. Pic of Mihaela Ripena of Pinknruby By Ian Palmer

2nd Open Mic @ Nelsons Wine Bar - 04/11/2007 Much quieter this month due to the Big Bonfire the night before, but still some varied talent from the "crowd" - including Mick on solo harmonica, blues and "Tales of the Riverbank"! Rythmn n Blues from Wes and Bec Paul and a nice solo vocal from Janine Oh and Peg's stunning voice again on "Ain't no Sunshine" and "Stormy Weather"

Open Mic Nights - 07/10/2007 Our first open mic night at Nelsons in Hebden Bridge (see our links page for their rather stylish website) Manny and I will be there the first Sunday of every month playing our own songs and classic covers and then throwing it open to YOU the audience It's not the only open mic in town but it may well be the coolest Pic by Ian Palmer

Equinox Didge Meditation - 23/09/2007 It's cold up at Alcomden Stones in September at sunset. The worldwide didge meditation starts in Australia where it's warm - I don't think they know how much we suffer to join in!

Haworth Arts Festival - 31/08/2007 Haworth Arts Festival The festival is over and went well. Our gig on Friday with Pinknruby and Say was lovely - when I've a bit more time I'll set up some links here but for now check out the ever wonderful Haworth Village Website for Ian Palmer's photos of the event. This is one of his: Ada grooving to Say

Worldwide Didge Meditation - 22/07/2007 Summer Solstice At 22:22 on 22nd June we were playing didge on the moors at Alcomden Stones as a healing for the world. Starting in Australia people all over the world played at sunset local time - sending a wave of healing around the globe.

Life Classes - 02/03/2007 Life Classes will be held in the attic studio as a trial this Friday to see if this can be made a regular event

Shop and living accommodation for sale - maybe - 22/02/2007 STOP PRESS - We have decided to stay put and keep the shop open; but make us an offer if you are interested - you never know Due to the arrival of our baby Ada, now 10 months old, we had decided to move, which would have meant closing the shop. --------------------------------------------- We have put a great deal of effort into renovating this building, assuming we would be staying for many years. It has a high ecological spec, with wall insulation, reclaimed timber double glazing, water heated by condensing boiler and wood burner; and higher than required insulation levels. The accommodation is highly flexible and could extend to five bedrooms, although we currently have it laid out with a huge attic bedroom, spare bedroom, first floor office and two fully tanked and dry basement rooms. A kitchen, bathroom, living room and of course the shop complete the accommodation. The building would make ideal Bed and Breakfast accommodation , hairdressers, or would suit a business requiring an office. It has a highly visible corner location with 3,000 vehicle movements a day. It has grand views down the Worth Valley as far as Ilkley Moor and is ready to live in.

The Breed Re-forming - 01/02/2007 We are looking for a singer and bass player to enable us to re-form The Breed If you do either or both and think you could front the band contact us

Lorenzo Spolverato (1957 - 2006) - 30/10/2006 We are shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Lorenzo Spolverato at the age of 48. Pictured here only last month at the Haworth Arts Festival party fronting The Breed. He had seemed to recover well from an earlier heart attack but suffered a fatal attack on Sunday afternoon (29th October) just a few days away from his 49th Birthday. He had rung on Friday to cancel a rehearsal due to the illness of drummer Ian and sounded on fine form - looking forward to his annual birthday bonfire, recording our new material and an up-coming gig on 3rd December. He will be sorely missed by the band and its followers and by his wife Julie, daughters Roxanne and Georgia and son Max. Our thoughts are with his family. Ciao Loz Photo Ian Palmer

Party Time - 02/09/2006 As part of the Haworth Arts Festival: The Breed are playing for the Saturday night party. Starting at 10pm we will be rocking till the small hours. £2 on the door at Parkside Social Club Come as you are or dress up to celebrate the festival.

The Breed - 01/09/2006 We have a gig at The Fleece Elland on Friday night - all welcome.

New Arrival - 06/05/2006 Our most important news is the arrival of our daughter Ada May. She was born above the piano shop and is lovely. Mother Amy and baby Ada are both well.

Music Teachers - 01/05/2006 We are now offering a database of music teachers in the area. If you are a teacher and wish to be added to our list please get in touch. See Contact page

Drumming Sessions - 14/04/2006 Drumming sessions for beginners or experienced players Bring a drum if you have one Every Friday 6:30 till 7:30pm £2 each At Methodist Chapel West Lane Haworth Phone Abe or Jennifer on 01535 647366 - No need to have come from the start - just turn up

New Didges in stock - 03/03/2006 We have a range of beautiful new didgeridoos in stock. All authentic outback didges plain or decorated by top aborigine artists and chosen for their quality and sound. See our didgeridoo page for individual didges and prices.

Paul Hitchin - 01/02/2006 Paintings by local artist Paul Hitchin are now on display in the shop and available for sale. Paul's paintings are inspired by his travels in Austrailia but he is keen to point out that his respect for aborigine art prevents him from copying their work. This is not Australian Aborigine art, but local art inspired by world travel. Symbols used include Greek Labyrinths, Celtic designs, and african figures. See our views in Muse

SNORING! - 09/01/2006 A paper was published in the British Medical Journal in December 2005 titled "Didgeridoo playing as alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome" which concluded that didge playing over a 4 month period reduced daytime sleepiness and snoring, giving snorers and their partners a better night's sleep. It has also recently been confirmed that a large proportion of LGV drivers in Britain suffer from sleep apnoea, a potentially dangerous condition which can result in severe sleepiness while driving. It is nice to see official recognition of the health benefits of playing didge. We feel sure that soon there will be evidence of the benefits of hearing a didge played. We are happy to offer didge lessons and healing at Pied Piper Pianos to all snorers or drivers! Listen to our interview with Benjamin Zephaniah on John Peel's Home Truths programme

Haworth Arts Festival 2006 - Meeting - 04/01/2006 The AGM of the Haworth Arts Group was a resounding success, we filled the meeting room and had some vibrant suggestions from old and new members. We had new people joining the committee to ensure continuity and to put Festival 2006 on a firm footing. See the Haworth Village site on our links page for more details. Photo from Haworth Village site by Ian Palmer

CDs For Sale - 20/11/2005 We sell CDs by unsigned bands and local artists Prices Vary We also now have a range of CDs for sale at only £5:99 Email or phone to order The following are in stock: Classical Bach - Brandenburgh Concertos 4-6 Grieg - Piano Concerto and Peer Gynt Dvorak - New World Symphony Beethoven - Pastoral Symphony No 6 Ravel - Bolero Vivaldi - Four Seasons Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition Brahms - Violin Concerto Handel - The Water Music Suites Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Puccini - La Boheme Choralis Angelorum - Gregorian Chants Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 3 Strauss - Favourite Waltzes Tchaikovsky - Piano & Violin Concertos Jazz/soul/country/folk Herbie Hancock - Day Dreams Benny Goodman - Ultimate Collection Various - Jazz Cafe Oscar Peterson - I Got Rhythm Willie Nelson - Always on my Mind Roy Orbison - Rock 'n' Roll Ballads The Dubliners - Wild Irish Rovers Boxcar Willie - King of the Road James Brown - Funky Goodtime Rock/Pop/Ska/Reggea The Stranglers - Golden Brown Bad Manners - Ska Party Steve Howe - Voyagers Santana - Santana '68 Joan Armatrading - Lovers Speak Mungo Jerry - The Best Of Various - The Sound of Ska Jefferson Airplane - Feed Your Head Groundhogs - Eccentric Man Bob Marley - Love Light Shining The Troggs - Wild Thing 50s Rock 'n' Roll - Rocket '88 Colin Blunstone - Say you don't mind The Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin' The Everly Brothers - Greatest Love Songs Wishbone Ash - The Living Proof Ray Charles - The Genius Humour Stanley Holloway - Greatest Performances Victor Borge - Caught in the Act

Piano Restoration - 11/11/2005 We are also pleased to offer restoration, tuning, and repair of pianos. The photo is an example of a miniature piano prepared to a customer's specification from a dull dark wood cabinet to a dramatic high gloss painted finish. We are happy to discuss any requirements and, through a network of specialist technicians and restorers, find the best person to carry out your restoration. We are also able to arrange regular tuning of your piano. Ideally a piano should be tuned avery 6 months and at least once a year. Neglecting tuning is a false economy as once the piano has gone too far out of tune it can be impossible to return to concert pitch. A regular tuning also gives the tuner an opportunity to fix small defects and prevent them becoming worse.

Twinning Launch - 21/10/2005 Haworth has established a Twin Town agreement with Machu Picchu in Peru and a launch was held on Friday 21st October 2005. The event was sponsored by Pied Piper Pianos The Peruvian band Apu appeared and the Lord Mayor of Bradford and Chair of the Parish Council signed an agreement to be sent to the Mayor of Machu Picchu Pueblo News of the event was featured in The Guardian, Yorkshire Post, Telegraph and Argus and Keighley News as well as on The BBC World Service, Radio Leeds, Independent Radio News, and YTV's Calendar programme. Support was raised for Peruvian children's charity Kiya Survivors more information can be found at Haworth Village

Haworth Arts Festival 2005 - 05/09/2005 Pied Piper Pianos were proud to be a sponsor of the 2005 Haworth Arts Festival. We had everything from comedy to celtic rock; flamenco to photography; didge to dance; poetry to Parkour and, as you can see, we tried a bit of everything. The photo shows Andy Wood doing a Parkour workshop Photo Ian Palmer

Global Village Peace Gathering - 16/06/2005 We were invited to provide sound healing at this festival in Lincolnshire. So we did - in a van - in a field. Highlights: meeting the lovely Pinknruby; swimming in the nuddy in a river full of weeds and watercress; being in a sweat-lodge with a guy who had a beard and a pink mini-skirt; getting home and having a bath.