Piano Nights At The Leaf

by Stuart Raper

https://www.mapleleafbar.com/single-post/2017/12/23/Piano-Nights-At-The-Leaf

For years patrons of the Maple Leaf Bar have observed a hundred year old Wurlein upright piano, pushed up against the wall in the back of the club. Yet it served a mostly aesthetic purpose. Few of the keys worked, it was barely playable. However, with the help of the bar, Crescent Spirits and master piano technician (and Oak street neighbor) Paul Agostino, the piano has been restored to its rickety glory, quintessentially New Orleanian. With looks, feel and most of all a sound that blends in perfectly with its Oak street surroundings.

This is the kind of instrument New Orleans music was born on. It was built in the 1900’s and acquired by the Maple Leaf’s owner, Hank Staples, in the early 80’s. Endless legends have touched these keys and now more will be able to.