Want to bring people closer to music? It might be easier to bring the music closer to the people. What if someone put a piano on every street?

Play me, I’m Yours

Touring the globe since March 2008, “Play Me I’m Yours” is an artwork founded and managed by British artist Luke Jerram. Street pianos are appearing in cities all over the world in skate parks, industrial areas, bus shelters, and train stations to “act as a catalyst for strangers who regularly occupy the same space, to talk and connect with one another.” Kudos to Mr. Jerram! When he installed pianos in São Paolo, some people traveled for hours just to have the chance to play. Pianos in the Brazilian city are hard to find and cost a year’s salary.

This summer sixty pianos will be placed throughout the five boroughs of New York City as part of the city’s Make Music NY celebration on June 21. “Play me, I’m Yours” is a Sing for Hope benefit. Celebrities lending their endorsements and/or giving performances include Alicia Keys, actress Lauren Ambrose, celebrated baritone Nathan Gunn, Broadway performers Tituss Burgess and Emmy winner Kevin Mambo, and the cast of the Tony-winning revival musical Hair. “I believe in the creative potential of New York City, and I applaud Sing for Hope for everything it does to develop that potential,” says Alicia Keys. “This summer, Sing for Hope will create a beautiful and worthy moment for our city by bringing the Play Me, I’m Yours “street pianos” to our city’s parks and public spaces. It’s things like this that make me extra proud to be a New Yorker, and the endless possibilities represented in these streets.”

Street pianos dot com documents each piano’s installation and the community’s interaction with the pianos and one another. Pianos have been installed in London, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Bristol, Birmingham and Bury St. Edmunds. In 2010 ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ will be presented in London, New York City, Barcelona, Bath, Belfast,, Burnley and Blackburn, Pécs (Hungary), Cincinnati, and San Jose (US). The piano installation will be coming to San Jose, CA, September 16-19, 2010!

Now make a beeline to the previous “Type Bee”.

Creating Sweet Buzz for David Archuleta

Songs I have just started reading David Archuleta’s book entitled, ‘Chords of Strength,’ a Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance. I am enjoying reading about David ‘in his words’ and learning so many interesting things about his life before and after American Idol. He has such a wonderful way of connecting with his fans through his music and now he has done it with his storytelling. Truly, this book is a special gift for all David fans.

I have always felt that David Archuleta is wonderful when it comes to letting his fans know how much their support means to him. He takes the time on so many occasions to thank us and let us know how much he appreciates what we do. In turn, David treats his fans really well. Always so accommodating, pleasant, and genuine, he tells us all the time how much we mean to him. I was thinking about this while reading his book, and I was reminded of a song David sang while on the American Idol tour in the summer of 2008.

The Song of the Week is…

“When You Say You Love Me”

“When You Say You Love Me” was written by Mark Hammond and Robin Scoffield for Josh Groban. The song appears on Josh’s 2003 album titled The Closer. David Archuleta performed the song during the American Idol tour in the summer of 2008. It became a huge fan favorite, as David poured his heart and soul out every time he ended his four-song set with “When You Say You Love Me.”

This stirring song is about letting the people around you know how much you love them, and how important they are to you, and especially how much it means when they tell you that they love you too. It was a great song choice for David; it was the first opportunity he had to communicate directly with his fans. Typical of this giving performer, he chose a song that tells his fans how he felt about our support of him while he was inside the AI bubble for six months. And the fans, for our part, screamed our love and approval, not wanting him to leave the stage.

For your enjoyment, I have included three of my favorite fan videos of David singing “When You Say You Love Me.” In the first video, David is singing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA, on July 8, 2008. It was one of the first tour stops for the AI concert that year. I love the way David smiles as he is nearing the end of the song. You can see and feel his happiness! I also love the way you can hear a man yell out to him in the beginning of the song. David is truly more than a “Teen Idol”—he has fans of all ages and genders! 😉

In this video, David is singing for the first time in his home state of Utah as an American Idol finalist. It is July 14, 2008, in Salt Lake City…a very emotional evening for David as the crowd goes wild for him. The mutual love between David and the audience is very clear, which causes David to cry towards the end of the song. “Look what you made me do!” he says. I love how he wears his heart on his sleeve here! 😉

Finally, this last video was made by a fan, michelinamarie, as a tribute to David and his fans. I think she did a beautiful job and it really brought back a lot of memories. Thanks, Michelina!

Have a nice week everyone and as always, take care!
Katie

Listen to Song of Last Week.

David Archuleta, the Voice

DA week that was in the life of David Archuleta

Media   David’s World   Fandom

Follow links above to the relevant sections below.

Keeping up with the über-talented, awe-inspiring, world-travelling David Archuleta can be a full-time job. Even the most (D)avid fans among us don’t always have time to follow David. Here are some of last week’s top stories about the awesome David Archuleta.

Media Headlines

News, Reviews, and Interviews

David Archuleta Voted Billboard’s Best American Idol Ever
by Tina Molly Lang
27 May 2010

David Archuleta has been named Billboard’s Best American Idol Ever, beating Carrie Underwood 92 to 8 percent.

Archuleta considers this a particular honor because Billboard is “not just some teen website.” Archuleta checks Billboard regularly and reads the magazine. And given Underwood’s success, he was surprised and flattered to have received more votes….

Read more: Associated Content

The ultimate ‘American Idol’ power ranking: 120 contestants on, Kelly Clarkson still reigns supreme
LA Times Idol Tracker
May 31, 2010

Idol Tracker ranks David Archuleta at number 15 out of 120 American Idol contestants. I couldn’t disagree more, especially when I see those chosen in the top ten, but it’s all subjective, isn’t it?

See the complete list LA Idol Tracker Ranking

David Archuleta may be young, but his memoir still inspires.
by Brandon Burt
31 May 2010

Obviously, the June 1 release of David Archuleta’s Chords of Strength will elicit howls of amusement from literary naysayers. And, admittedly, the very idea that a young man not yet in his 20s—whose claim to fame is having been a runner-up on Fox’s American Idol two years ago—could dare publish a memoir comes as something as a shock…But, I say, screw those literary naysayers. The bigger shock for them will be that, despite his youth, Archuleta (with the help of journalist/ethnomusicologist Monica Haim) managed to come up with a personal account that is engaging, readable and even inspiring….

Read the rest.

David Archuleta’s Chords of Strength memoir out this week
by Brian Mansfield
2 June 2010

David Archuleta looks at the world with an appreciative sense of wonder that’s both charming and appealing. That trait comes through loud and clear in the 19-year-old’s book, Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance, out this week.

Most celebrity memoirs, especially ones from young stars, read like superficial, thrown-together works. But Chords of Strength is something different: It genuinely captures David’s voice, in both its content and its cadence. Reading the book is like listening to him speak….

Read more: Idol Chatter’s Brian Mansfield

SomethingPitchy Broadcast Exclusive: Interview With ‘Idol’ Alum David Archuleta
by Andrew Scott, AOL
2 June 2010

Today, season 7 runner-up David Archuleta paid a special, jam-packed visit to the SomethingPitchy studio to promote his new memoir, ‘Chords of Strength.’

Among the many topics discussed in this 43-minute-plus interview: The inspiration behind writing a book, details on his upcoming CD, his thoughts on ‘American Idol’ season 9 and a look back at some of his most memorable tweets….

Watch the 43 minute video interview: Something Pitchy AOL Broadcast.

Fox TV Appearances
Fox Television
2 June 2010

Fox 5, Atlanta: Interview (3:36)
Fox 9, Minneapolis: Interview (4:11)
Fox 13, Salt Lake City: Interview (4:32)

American Idol News
2 June 2010

http://www.hangforawhile.com/american-idol/?p=3092

Mall of America Interview with David
MOA, Minneapolis
OfficialMOA on YouTube
5 June 2010

The subtitle could be “The Office Chair” interview! Watch David at the office, 3:24!

David sings “I’ll Be” at the Mall of America.

MOA Singing and Signing, 4:28

David’s World

Blogs, Tweets, Appearances

Blogs and Vlogs

The book is out!

Video blog from David’s official YouTube
Location: New York City; Length: 4:37 minutes
2 June 2010

Wherein David explains the cryptic “Jazzy was here” comment on Twitter this week. I thought either Jazzy was in NYC with him or David was reading graffiti in Central Park. haha!

At 2:21 he sings a little Jackson 5, “I’ll be there.”

YOU Create David Archuleta’s New Deluxe Edition Package!
DavidArchuleta.com
2 June 2010

DavidArchuleta.com is asking fans to help select items for his next album’s fan package. “David is recording a brand new album as we speak. There is no set release date yet, BUT David is already cooking up ideas to create a special fan package! What better place to find ideas for a fan package than from his fans! So he wants to hear what YOU, the fans, want in this potential special fan package to be available only here on DavidArchuleta.com….”

Choose your deluxe edition item: David Archuleta Deluxe Edition Package

DA Official Blog
21 May 2010

Here’s an excerpt of David’s last blog; you can read the rest on his official website and send a comment.

“Hey everyone! I thought I’d leave a note to let you guys know about what’s been up with me lately. This last weekend was a really great one! I got to spend time with some friends, which included some who drove down from Utah, and we all went to the Santa Monica Pier and rode the ferris wheel haha. We also walked around 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica and had a great time walking around and seeing the street performers. It’s really neat watching a bunch of those street performers….”

Join the Official David Archuleta Website and sign up to receive newsletter updates of his appearances, music, photos, blogs, and more.

Appearances – Recent & Future

• 1 June 2010: Good Day New York, Fox TV, David appears on Good Day New York (notice “swarm of bees” story — haha!)
• 2 June 2010: AOL TV’s Something Pitchy
• 7 June 2010: “Good Things Utah,” ABC4 Salt Lake City, 10:00 am MT
• 9 June 2010: will sing the National Anthem at the Washington Nationals game, Washinton D.C
• Book Signing Events in June (see item below.)

Fox TV
Live TV, New York City
3 June 2010

During the sound check on Fox & Friends, David sang a snippet of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed,” and it was amazing! At first, I didn’t realize I was hearing David LIVE! He truly can sing anything!

Book tour dates


Book tour dates:
✓ 1 June – Bookends, Ridgewood, NJ
✓ 2 June – Borders, Manhattan, NY
✓ 3 June – Barnes & Noble, Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, NY
✓ 5 June – Barnes & Noble, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
  7 June – Deseret Books, Salt Lake City, UT
  8 June – Deseret Books, Orem, UT
17 June – Deseret Books, Rexburg, ID

DavidArchie on Twitter

Monday, 31 May

> On this memorial day it’s so important to remember all of the brave men and women who gave their lives because they believed in life, liberty, and all the amazing freedoms we all have in this great country that we live in today. I hope we can all pause a bit from our activities to remember them and give thanks to each soldier who has fought, and to those who are out there today…as well as their families who’ve sacrificed so much for each of us. Let’s keep them and their families in our prayers! We owe them so much. Happy Memorial Day guys! Hope you enjoy whatever things you have going on with friends and family!
> In Central Park and heard a crashing noise. A giant branch fell and someone is injured. Ambulance is here. Hope the person’s ok…
> Jazzy was here! >:D
> Just 1 more day until “Chords of Strength” is officially in stores!!!
> @thedavidcook Oh really? I guess some stores released it a day early haha. I’ll have to keep an audiobook version in mind for you! in reply to tweet from thedavidcook: “@DavidArchie saw your book in borders today. Looked for the audiobook version that you narrated, but to no avail…Lol congrats man.”
> First book signing is tomorrow at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ! Anyone going to try and make it out??
> Just got some good practice in with signing 500 books :\ haha. Gonna try and go to bed soon. Good Day NY interview tomorrow morning! Ciao!

Tuesday, 1 June

> The day is here! “Chords of Strength is officially out TODAY!!! Woo hoo!!! It’s gonna be an awesome day!
> At Good Day New York this morning. Should go on around 8:40ish AM Eastern time.
> Had a great time at Good Day NY! The Naked Cowboy from Time Square was there too lol. Interesting… Said hi to him though haha.
> @TheRealJordin Aw thanks Jordin!! Hope your bro’s birthday party went great! [reply to her tweet about his book]
> RT @jennettemccurdy: My single, “Not That Far Away”, is available on iTunes NOW! I hope you’ll download it and enjoy! Thanks for your su …
> Hey guys, the fansites have the photo winners’ names up! Congrats you guys and thanks so much for sending in your photos for the book!!
> The names should also be going up on the official site soon! Gotta head to another interview now 🙂
> Just had a great interview with forbes.com’s video network! Really enjoyed it. I’ll post it once it’s up!
> On my way to Bookends in Ridgewood, New Jersey soon for my very first book signing ever! Can’t wait to see those of you coming!!
> Hardcore rain suddenly! Hope everyone who’s been waiting is ok! Hopefully we can get everyone inside who’s in line!
> Oh… The rain just died down. Well that was interesting lol.
> Had a really great dinner at a restaurant called Grape Leaves down here in Ridgewood! At Bookends now getting ready for signing!
> Manhattan is tomorrow. Gonna try and get some sleep for interviews tomorrow morning. Thanks again everyone!

Wednesday, 2 June

> Good morning! Off to do interviews.
> First interview’s gonna be Good Day Utah in Salt Lake! just a couple of minutes! Woo hoo haha
> Had a lot of fun doing all the interviews! Now off to another one lol.
> Had a fun interview at AOL!
> @pastelpastel Yep that’s them! fun interview with them.[reply to pastel’s question, “Are those the @somethingpitchy people? They are seriously some fun dudes, if so…”]
> Happy Birthday to my pal @RealBrookeWhite!! Hope you have a great day Brooke!
> @joywilliams Haha thanks Joy! I really want to come back! It’d be a party! [reply to joywilliams’ comment, “Honored that you’d include one of my songs in your book. 🙂 Come back to Nashville soon, David! @nateyetton and I wanna hang!”]
> Book signing tonight at 7 at Borders in Manhattan! Located at Columbus Circle. Holler if you’re coming!
> @davidfan4ever Books! [reply to question, “any way you can share what you’ll be singing 2night?”]
> @davidfan4ever Oh my bad lol. I thought you said signing. I’m not allowed to sing anything new yet :(. It’ll still be fun to sing though!
> @jenlalalovesdja Haha oh man that’s crazy! [reply to, “I have been here since 7 am!”]
> @Myheartsong 🙁 lol. I should try and fit some in though, huh? [reply to, “I’m thinking with all of these book signings @DavidArchie won’t be practicing much guitar for the next couple of weeks…”]
> Hey guys … just posted a new blog on my YouTube page! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdWq14BLZsw
> @MANyy23 Amen brotha! haha. That’s exactly what’s been on my mind. Especially with how hot it is outside. At least a trim would be nice. [reply to, “dude U need a haircut”]
> @mhel4dja Haha!! That’s so cool! [reply to, “Woot!!! RT @frogcooke: RT @itszMARYANNE: http://twitpic.com/1tcm2p most of us holding @DavidArchie’s Chords of Strength :)”]
> @Sabrina9011 It’s at stores like Borders and Barnes and Noble 🙂
> At Borders at Columbus Circle for the signing!

Thursday, 3 June

> Gonna be singing this morning on Fox and Friends! The performance will be outside at 48th and 6th avenue at 8:45ish!
> It’d be great if any of you came out to the plaza to listen! Should be a fun laid back performance. Or you can tune in on TV 🙂
> I can hear Lee Dewyze over at Rockefeller Center rehearsing! Haha.
> Had fun singing “Works For Me” on Fox and Friends! Thanks to @TobyLightman for performing with me!
> Tonight’s book signing that I’ll be doing is at Barnes & Noble in the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, NY! Hope to see you guys!
> Got some recording in today to touch up a certain song…
> On my way to Smith Haven mall in Lake Grove, NY for the signing! And the signing actually starts at 7:30 tonight
> Just saw everyone out in front of Barnes & Noble! Looking forward to seeing you guys in just a bit! 🙂
> All right, now that we’ve gone all the way around the mall lol. We’ve found where to go in! Passing by the crowd.
> Just got to sing into a megaphone! haha.
> “you smell like really good baby powder.” well I haven’t heard that before but thanks! I’m glad I don’t smell bad! Haha
> Lake Grove on Long Island was awesome!! Thanks so much to everyone who came and thanks to Barnes and Noble too!

Friday, 4 June

> Have to head to the airport in a few hours. Still have to pack stuff up… Hopefully I’ll get some sleep in! I’m brain dead without sleep.
> First Train Home by @ImogenHeap is playing in the airport! This morning just got a little better.
> Just landed in Minnesota. Have some interviews today.
> First interview this morning is on Showcase Minnesota. Waiting in the green room eating a sandwich. In case you were wondering lol
> More intervieeews. Going to be on Twin Cities Live next.
> Whoo, I’m so tired! Gonna sleep well tonight, hopefully. Gotta be energized for tomorrow’s signing at MOA! Good night!

Saturday, 5 June

> Book signing today at the Mall of America in the Sears Court at 2 PM! Any of you going to be there??
> @rimarchuleta Aw haha. I was actually talking to @AllisonIraheta about Indonesia! She was saying how awesome it was! I need to go there!
> Phew, sometimes hauling around suitcases sure does give you a good workout.
> Just ran into Kris Allen! What a coincidence haha. He’s playing a show tonight in Minneapolis for those of you here 😉
> Now approaching the Mall of America! Really excited! My first time ever coming here.
> All right, on my way up to the signing! See you guys who are here in a bit!
> Rode on some of the rides here at the Mall of America! Cool stuff!
> Rides were fun in Mall of America! Now at the aquarium here!

Follow David Archuleta on Twitter. He has more than 385,000 followers, but who’s counting? —I am!!! During the past eight weeks, David has averaged 3,750 new followers each week.

Fandom

Blogs, Stories, Charities

Stories

Project Bearing Kindness

Project Bearing Kindness has teamed up with Rising Star Outreach to raise money for the Rising Star schools in India. With a $12 donation, your name will be added to a beautiful Angel Bear which will be given to a deserving child at the dedication on 10 July of the new Rising Star school. And you’ll receive a complimentary “David Inspires Us” bumper sticker.

Read more about how you can help the children of India.

Mormon Photobombs Fellow Mormon
5 June 2010

You know how some people think it’s funny to drop in a photo unexpectedly, to hop in a picture right before it is taken, usually in the back or on the side? It’s called ‘photobombing’ and even good Mormons do it! This dude ‘photobombed’ David Archuleta…. He writes, “So I was spending my Friday night the way any good Mormon would – hanging out at the LDS temple in Oakdale, MN. As always, all the teenagers were hanging out at the baptismal font when all of a sudden the room became electrified….”

You gotta read the rest: SingleSpeed

Did you miss last week’s Weekly Wrap? If you’ve fallen far behind, you should seriously search the Archhives! It’s not too late to reclaim your status as a David Archuleta fanatic fan!

DA Weekly Buzz about David Archuleta!