Music on the Waterfront

It’s only a month old, but the Waterfront Park at the County Administration Center has already attracted quite the crowds. From kids to parents, workout enthusiasts and sunbathers, “San Diego’s Front Porch” has something to offer for everyone. And most recently, the new park has become a stage.

Brian Grams visits the south side of the Waterfront Park nearly every morning to practice his flute and saxophone, putting on a morning show for early risers.

“I told myself three years ago that I was going to try to play every day for a year,” Grams said. “I did that, and then said I’d try for another year. I’m now on my third year.”

The English teacher, who also teaches music at the San Diego Youth Symphony, works just two blocks away, but was unaware of the new park until a friend mentioned it to him.

“He told me to go play by the waterfront, and I thought I’d go on the pier. Then I saw [the Waterfront Park] and thought it was the perfect place to play!” Grams said. “It’s so cool and pretty empty in the morning. And no one complained!”

In fact, the musician, who’s been playing for about 30 years, said he’s gotten only praise by County employees who happen to walk by in the morning when he’s filling the air with notes.

“I’ve been getting pretty positive feedback,” he said.

Grams, who played free jazz in Berlin at one point, can be found most mornings in the Waterfront Park with his two instruments at the picnic tables near the playground on the south side from 7-8 a.m.

Have you heard Grams play on the way into work? Would you ever bring your musical instrument to the park to treat strangers? Tell us in the comments below!