New piano at Harvest restaurant is a present to be shared

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Rochester pianist Gregg Herman practices on the new piano in the Harvest restaurant at Bent’s Opera House.

MEDINA – Diners at the Harvest restaurant in Bent’s Opera House can now enjoy music with their meals, with the addition of a new piano.

The piano was a Christmas gift from Bent’s owner Roger Hungerford to his wife Heather, who has always loved the piano and wanted to learn how to play.

“Growing up in a family of nine children, it was difficult to afford piano lessons” Heather said. “When Roger learned Denton, Cottier and Daniels in Buffalo was closing, he said we should go and look at purchasing one. Rather than put it in our house, I thought adding a piano here in this historic building would be a wonderful thing. Now everyone can enjoy it.”

She is hoping she and daughter Isabella can take lessons together this summer.

On a recent Thursday night, Rochester pianist Gregg Herman played music for diners. He has been playing jazz since he was 10.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing this wonderful place,” Herman said, as he sat down at the piano.

On nights when there isn’t a pianist, diners will be able to listen to dinner music, as the instrument is a player piano. It has been placed in the front window in the room off the bar, which will now be known as the “Piano Lounge.”

Walk-ins will now be welcome to stop in for a cocktail or order a meal, while they listen to the music, Heather said.

Justin Bruce, operations manager at Harvest, said they are thrilled to be able to provide an additional space where people can come in and relax.

“This is more casual,” he said. “We now offer something for everybody.”

Harvest is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, click here.

Gregg Herman likes the new piano at Harvest.