For the last two years, Winnipeg piano players like David MacLean have found themselves drawn to Portage Place.

The downtown shopping centre has a piano in the courtyard, and has become an unofficial place for musicians to meet and share their talent.

MacLean appreciates getting the chance to hear a good piano player. "Guitar players, they're a dime a dozen. Piano players, they're a little more rare, you know?"

MacLean is one of many musicians - both professional and amateur -- who have sat down at the piano in Portage Place.

The piano presents some players with the opportunity to touch the real thing.

"I basically come here because I don't have a piano at home,” said Emily Kroeker. “I did, and then my mom sold it. And so I like to come and play a real piano and pretend no one's listening."

Chances are, however, someone is listening. Crowds frequently gather to watch players pound away on the keys.

"I would turn around and I would see about 20 people behind me all clapping away," said MacLean.

"I really enjoy being able to sit down and play music and every once in a while someone comes by and thanks me for it,” said Chad Braun. “It improves their day it improves mine."

The piano was one of seven painted and set up around the city as part of the 2014 Juno Awards celebrations. The Play Your Part project, spearheaded by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, brought in artists from Graffiti Gallery to give each one a unique paint job.

Many of the pianos were set up outside, which took a toll on their condition, said Patrick Skene, executive director of Graffiti Art Programming Inc.

The one in Portage Place, named “Happiano”, is the last one still out in the open where anyone can play.

"It's really like The Forks of piano players,” said MacLean. “I've made friends with musicians I've jammed with bands. It's just a great little meeting place for piano players."

Daily use over the last couple years has taken a toll on the piano's condition. Some keys don’t work and it has fallen slightly out of tune, but for David Maclean, that doesn't matter.

“It's really cool that Winnipeg and Portage Place, they offer this piano for people to just come and play. It's got some missing keys. Maybe a little bit out of tune, but hey, that's the way it goes. It's what gives it its charm

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ executive director Stefano Grande said the BIZ still owns the piano. There are currently no immediate plans to fix the piano, however, he said they have received so many offers of piano donations, they’re considering relaunching the project.