If you have attended an event at the historic Paramount Theatre recently, you might have noticed the upright piano in the lobby.

Several artists like Marcia Ball and Davina Sowers have tinkered on it, commenting on how much they love it.

Unfortunately, if you have attended an event you also know that lobby space is at a premium.

Clearing out the area is the only way we can add more space until the expansion is further along.

Once we decided to find it a good home, it surprisingly found a way back to its original owner, Linda Wollenberg.

The piano had been hers since she was young, and she had pangs of sadness leaving the piano behind after moving to a new house.

The new owner decided they didn’t want it and had generously donated it to the Paramount. Linda discovered that the piano she had once owned and loved was looking for a home.

Amazingly, she had just given her current piano away to her granddaughter. Linda contacted me about her childhood piano and we are in the process of reuniting them.

The impact the Austin Area Commission for the Arts has on the community clearly extends beyond the stage.

Over the upcoming years we plan to continue this growth, not only in our building, but also our reach, striving to enrich our community through arts, entertainment, and cultural activities across the area.

Until then, don’t miss our upcoming events at the Paramount. The Northwestern Singers will present their winter show “Timeless,” Jan. 21 and 22. Up ‘Til 2 will also be performing Saturday, Jan. 28.

Tickets for both events are available at the box office by calling 434-0934.