Think of it as "Lancaster's Happy Hour."

That's how John Gerdy sees tonight's Music Friday kickoff celebration of "Keys for the City," an interactive exhibit of 20 decorated pianos that will be placed around town through the end of September.

And with good reason.

Tonight's event, like those scheduled every third Friday through September in Lancaster Square, promises live music, food, spirits and a downtown party atmosphere.

In keeping with "Keys for the City," keyboard-driven bands Go Particle, Big Red and Mama Tried will launch the exhibit and the revamped Music Fridays tonight. Patrons can enjoy food, Lancaster Brewing Company beer and Tamanend Winery wine.

In addition, tonight's event includes a live art display in which a group of artists come together to paint a huge canvas on the spot.

The celebration is one way to bring some attention to Lancaster's thriving music scene.

Music for Everyone, in partnership with the City of Lancaster and the MOOSE office of special events, and with help from a number of other local organizations, wants to see Music Friday, held the third Friday of every month, begin to take on a life of its own.

If they have their way, Music Friday will rival First Friday as a visitor draw.

Music Friday's original concept was to bring all types of music downtown at a wide array of venues, from shops to galleries to restaurants to the streets.

"A lot of that is going on already," says Gerdy. "There are restaurants, galleries and merchants that are and have been sponsoring live music on Music Fridays.

"We're hoping that this is another brick in the wall, so to speak. Another event that helps build synergy, builds a critical mass and puts it over the top."

For the remainder of the summer, the city and Music for Everyone will host the following events in Lancaster Square:

June 18: The Music for Everyone CD Release party with live performances by various bands and singers featured on the CD.

July 16: Zydeco Night featuring Grandma Shake, N'Bonye and Zydeco A-Go-Go.

Aug. 20: Modern Day Roots featuring Hoots and Hellmouth plus Caravan of Thieves.

Sept. 17: The "Keys for the City" Grand Finale with special guests to be announced.

And then there are the pianos.

Let's not forget that during these upcoming summer months, Lancaster city visitors will be meeting some new residents. The 20 pianos that have been placed around town will be available for folks to play all day, every day.

"The pianos are intended to engage the public by inspiring people to stop and strike a few keys or play an entire piece," Gerdy has said. "This project is a literal expression of what this organization is about — Music For Everyone. This falls into our mission to cultivate the power of music for education and community building."

Each piano is sponsored by a local business, and each is custom designed. The pianos will be judged for their design, which Gerdy says "takes this thing to a whole other level. It's now an interactive music and art exhibit.

"We're excited about it. We think its going to capture the city's imagination. Music has the power to bring people together."

If you'd like to try your hand at tickling the ivories, following is a list of locations of the 20 pianos, along with their sponsoring organizations. Or for more information, visit www.keysforthecity.org.

1. Art Park, N. Prince and W. Chestnut sts., Auntie Anne's.

2. Lancaster Parking Authority, 111 N. Prince St., Debra Chillas for Infantree.

3. Lancaster Library, 125 N. Duke St., Dutch Wonderland.

4. First Reformed Church Courtyard, 40 E. Orange, Evolution Power Yoga.

5. Hager Parking Lot Booth, W. Grant St., Farmland Trust.

6. Marion Court, Faulkner BMW.

7. Penn Square Gazebo, Fulton Bank.

8. Mommalicious, 310 N. Queen St., Go Welsh.

9. Lancaster Square, 100 block of N. Queen, Music for Everyone.

10. Lancaster Arts Hotel, 300 Harrisburg Ave., Society of Design.

11. Binns Park, 100 Block of N. Queen St., Tell Manufacturing.

12. Steinman Park, 28 W. King St., Boys and Girls Club.

13. Fulton Theater, 12 N. Prince St., Fulton Theater.

14. Buchanan Park Pavilion, Gifts that Give Hope.

15. Linear Park, Heads Up Lancaster.

16. Southern Market, 100 S. Queen St., United Way.

17. Clipper Stadium, 650 N. Prince St., YMCA.

18. Rotary Park, Harrisburg Ave. and N. Prince St., Atomic Design.

19. Reservoir Park, E. King St., Benchmark Construction.

20. Musser Park, MOOSE.