Whidbey Island Center of the Arts presents a new event this year for piano lovers called PianoFest Northwest.

PianoFest runs Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. It will include performances by three artists and other local talent.

Maureen Girard, Langley resident and artistic director of the event, said she wanted to develop opportunities for students, community members and piano teachers for South Whidbey.

Girard approached WICA to pitch the idea of a piano festival after having similar concerts at her own studio, Maureen Girard’s 88 Keys Piano Studio and Performance Space. She had been running the concerts for ten years and wanted the idea to grow into a festival.

“It’s a lot of work planning this event,” she said.

“It’s the first time I’ve planned something like this with a team. The WICA team is amazing to work with.”

Girard will open the festival with her own tribute to Liberace. She said the act will include many theatrics, but does not want to give away any secrets.

Girard will be opening for Grammy nominated pianist David Lanz who has a contemporary style. His music helped to produce the New Age music movement. Other performers incl

ude Walt Wagner, an artist who ranges from jazz to classical; and THIRTYFINGERS, a group of three classical pianists, Natalya Ageyeva, Lisa Bergman and Deborah Dewey, on one piano.

Three of her students, Erick Vanderbilt, Grant Neubauer and Amelie Petit, will also be showcasing their talents on the PianoFest stage.

“I enjoy the opportunity to perform, showcase my students and host the event having grown up backstage,” she said.

Girard said music education provides a sense of determination, accomplishme

nt and other skills essential for successful living.

“It is said that creativity is the currency of the 21st century,” she said. “Without it, we couldn’t survive.”

Girard had the honor of playing the first musical note on the main stage and coincidentally performer David Lanz was the first performer in Girard’s own house concert series.

“This feels full circle,” she said.

Girard has been teaching in Langley since 1993 at her studio, and averages about 25 students a year.

“So many people have an affinity for the piano and its music,” she said. “I think this event will be brilliant.”

Tickets for a single night are $25 and $65 for the festival pass. An additional performance by Walt Wagner will be held at a home overlooking Useless Bay, tickets for the house concert are $150. For tickets and more information call 360-221-8268 or visit wicaonline.com