13 Facts About Colin Huggins

Colin Huggins was born on January 6,1978 and is an American classical pianist and street performer in New York City.

Colin Huggins is known for his frequent performances in New York City on a grand piano which he transports and plays outside, and he has become known as "the piano man of Washington Square Park".

Colin Huggins worked as a ballet accompanist until his girlfriend broke up with him and in 2003, Huggins moved to New York City and became an accompanist for the American Ballet Theatre for several years and worked as the music director at Joffrey Ballet School.

Colin Huggins performed there until police and nearby residents complained about the large crowds he would attract.

Colin Huggins then began to play piano two or three times a week in New York City Subway stations and at Washington Square Park, playing for up to twelve hours at a time.

In 2011, Colin Huggins accumulated fines of $6,000 from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for performing near monuments and park benches.

In 2012, the policy changed to allow performers like Colin Huggins to continue to perform.

Colin Huggins noted the historical connection that Washington Square Arch has to pianists, citing Ignacy Jan Paderewski's sponsorship of its construction in 1892.

Colin Huggins has used crowdfunding campaigns to purchase baby grand pianos for his outdoor performances.

Colin Huggins's pianos bear an inscription reading "this machine kills fascists", inspired by a sticker that Woody Guthrie placed on his guitar during World War II that bore the same message.

Colin Huggins moved performances online during the lockdown and made attempts to adapt his act to further support himself.

Colin Huggins has made appearances in television series, including as himself in 2011 on the series Louie and in 2020 on Little Voice.

In September 2022 Colin Huggins became homeless and sleeps on top of his piano in the park at night.