“Cold Play” Piano Concert Coming to O.C.

By MADDY VITALE Piano teacher Shawn Quigley and a dozen of his students will entertain shoppers in downtown Ocean City on Sunday. But the music won’t be reminiscent of the nostalgic holiday tunes performed over Christmas at the corner of Eighth Street and Asbury Avenue by the young talents trained by the Seaville resident. In fact, music chosen for the free 3 p.m. piano concert will be more contemporary -- a lot more. For those who have heard of the alternative rock band Coldplay, get ready to hear some of their top ballads. Quigley’s students will be performing their take with their "Cold Play" concert. The audience will hear the band’s hits “Yellow,” “Clocks,” “Paradise,” and Viva la Vida,” among others. Here is a song the students will perform by Coldplay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKNxeF4KMsY And to top it off, the students will be on piano duos for each song, transforming the avenue into a mini-concert venue. Middle and high school age students will play two upright pianos simultaneously. “We want to play some different music for the community,” Quigley said. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t really be inside performing, so this gives the kids an outlet as well as benefits the public. People can come out and watch us play.” And he is hoping for some good weather. “It is supposed to be in the 50s and no rain,” Quigley said. Back in January, Quigley’s students performed their winter concert "Cold Play" outside at his home. Like Sunday’s event, they played mostly Coldplay songs. “Performing gives kids an outlet, a focus. We are happy to play for people outside and love coming to Ocean City to perform,” Quigley noted. “For the kids, it really is a form of community service that they love.” Students in Shawn Quigley's piano classes during their Jan. 9 concert. (Photo courtesy of Shawn Quigley)