This past weekend we were in Viejo San Juan and happened to enter the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. The Center has memorabilia from musicians and composers of Puerto Rico as well as a small shop selling Puerto Rican music.
One of their prize exhibits is an impressive grand piano. This is the piano that was in the famous 1960's nightclub, Ocho Puertas. It was called Ocho Puertas because the club was located on a corner of the block and had four doors on each side, hence eight doors or ocho puertas. This Youtube video, while contemporary, gives you a flavor of the place. Many aspiring and well-known musicians played at this famous club. Ocho Puertas had international recognition and was a hang out place for the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Burt Bacharach, Chita Rivera, and Liz Minelli. The piano was also used by the most famous female composer of Puerto Rico, Sylvia Rexach, for her composing. You can purchase her music CD's in the store and they are romantic and beautiful.
We were honored when the staff suggested Bella Jane sit down at the piano and play a little bit. Captain Ted captured the moment on film. The piano has the feel of an instrument that has felt many hands. The keys were worn and some of the ivory was missing but she's
a grand lady nonetheless. Closing your eyes you could imagine yourself back in Ocho Puertas with the ivories tinkling and the fans gazing on. If you are ever in Old San Juan, stop by and make a donation to the maintenance of this grand instrument that has many songs left in her.
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