— by Kim Davenport
Many Tacomans will remember Juan Perez (1948-2017), who played the piano at the Tacoma Nordstrom store for 27 years. UW Tacoma student Nathan Hiatt was moved by Perez’ story while enrolled in the class “Musical History of Tacoma” this Autumn, and decided to make it his final project in the class to record an episode for our podcast which honored Perez’ life and long-lasting impact on our community.
Listen here:
Curious to learn more about Perez’ story? Here are some great resources:
Piano Man from University Place plays on despite cancer (Seattle Times)
Beloved entertainer refuses to stop playing, even as he faces his own mortality (KOMO News)
Nordstrom piano man calls it quits after 27-year run at Tacoma mall (Oregon Live)
Tales of Tacoma 