Piano smash raises cash for Rohs Street Cafe

Most people would normally just play a piano, but some local philanthropist students at the University of Cincinnati have found other uses for the instrument.

“Help us keep quality art in the Clifton community and smash this piano!” said Mark Treschauer to passerby in front of the Tangeman University Center.

Treschauer, a 3rd-year music history student, organized the piano smash as part of the Rohs Street Improvement Project, an endeavor of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

As acting treasurer of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Treschauer organized the piano smash where students would pay to take a few swings with either a sledgehammer or baseball bat at two defunct pianos donated by two local piano shops: Ed Horning’s Pianos and Player Pianos. The proceeds, approximately $425, went toward the new piano featured in Rohs Street Café. 

Along with the piano smash, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Rohs Street Café will host an all day benefit concert, Monday, June 15, featuring local favorites such as The Happy Maladies, Matt Sheldon’s Picnic, Honest Abe, Poolside and Hickory Robot.

Admission is $3 after 6 p.m. and other activities include a silent art auction, poetry, musical and dramatic performances.