Deanna's Piano Fund

Hi. I'm an internationally touring jazz pianist and composer and am about to release my seventh recording, Force of Nature (MCG Jazz), featuring compositions by the groundbreaking jazz musician, Mary Lou Williams. I'm also eagerly anticipating the release of my first book, a new Williams biography entitled Mary Lou Williams Music for the Soul (Liturgical Press), that will be published in late August. In addition, I've newly relocated from my longtime home in New York City to Williams's hometown of Pittsburgh, the place I call "the city where jazz is love." 

Now I need your help. You see, my old, upright piano didn't make the move--and every pianist needs a piano!

I've been looking for a new piano--"the one"--and I've found it, or, I should say, I've found her. She's currently in Lancaster, PA, she's a seven-foot Steinway B piano, and I've named her Mary Lou. Mary Lou has a rich, singing tone and is extremely responsive to touch-- two things that are super important for pianists.

Since February, I've been doing online fundraising concerts to go towards my piano fund. I'm a third of the way there: so far, I've raised $10,000 from my music e-news subscribers and fans. I need to raise another $20,000 by September 30, or Mary Lou will go to another buyer.

You can hear me play Mary Lou in the video below, and also check out my weekly YouTube series, Off the Page Sacred Jazz , as well as my most recent live streamed concert. Stay in touch by subscribing to my YouTube channel  or signing up for my music email newsletter. And stay tuned for piano updates on this page!

Thank you for contributing to my piano fund. I can't wait to post video of me playing Mary Lou in my living room!

Above: Deanna plays "Mary Lou," the Steinway B piano that she is raising funds to purchase.

Above: Deanna leads her trio in an all-Mary Lou Williams concert at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Pittsburgh