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Piano concert planned in Jack London Park

The fall piano concert takes place at Jack London State Historic Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the House of Happy Walls.

  In an ongoing effort to support Jack London State Historic Park, the Jack London Piano Club offers regular piano concerts. Club pianists who will be performing include Pat Bonnoitt, John Dinwiddie, Jud Goodrich, Mae Lucas, Jack Power, Alexia Stevens, Nancy Watson, Carol Wilcoxson and Jim Wittes. They will be playing an eclectic selection of music with vocalist DeAnne Reeder singing Jack London’s favorite song, “Recompense,” followed by Charmain’s favorite song, “In the Valley of the Moon.”

  Each piano concert is performed on the 1901 Steinway grand piano purchased by Jack London in 1910 for his wife, Charmian. She was an accomplished pianist and played the piano throughout her lifetime.

  The Model A Steinway grand piano sat silent after Charmain London died in 1955 until 1988 when Park Rangers Greg Hayes and Matt Atkinson decided it should be played again. Park Volunteer Leslie Goodrich suggested her husband Jud launch the Jack London Piano Club.

  Martin Andrews, a Steinway technician, tuned and upgraded the piano and it is now a well-maintained magnificent instrument. Beginning with a core group of five volunteer pianists, the club has flourished and now has 25 pianists who regularly provide musical entertainment for visitors to the museum in the House of Happy Walls every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

  During the Oct. 6 event, refreshments will be served on the portico at intermission.

  Tickets are $20, and are available online at www.jacklondonpark.com. Performance space can be reached by stairway only.

For additional information about access, call 938-4827.